= Compton scattering
{wiki=Compton_scattering}
Compton scattering is a quantum mechanical phenomenon that describes the elastic scattering of X-rays or gamma rays off charged particles, most commonly electrons. This effect is significant because it demonstrates the particle-like behavior of photons, the quantum particles of light. The process occurs when a photon collides with a free or loosely bound electron. During the collision, energy and momentum are conserved, leading to an increase in the wavelength of the scattered photon (which corresponds to a decrease in its energy).
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