Energy and Momentum of a Photon
 

Energy and Momentum of a Photon problem 30


A photon of wavelength collides with an isolated stationary electron, as illustrated in the figure below.




The photon is deflected elastically by the electron. The wavelength of the deflected photon is .


  • On the figure above, draw an arrow to indicate the approximate direction of motion of the deflected electron.


  • Calculate:


    • the momentum of the deflected photon


    • the energy transferred to the deflected electron.


  • Another photon of wavelength collides with an isolated stationary electron. Explain why it is not possible for the deflected photon to have a wavelength less than .


 

main author and content editor: Ebenezer Famadewa