The Compton effect, in which X rays scattered by electrons emerge with a longer wavelength, demonstrates that photons
Correct answer: B. carry momentum and collide like particles
- A. have no momentum
- B. carry momentum and collide like particles
- C. travel slower than light
- D. have mass at rest
Explanation
The scattered photon gives up part of its energy and momentum to the recoiling electron, so its frequency falls and its wavelength rises, exactly as a particle collision would predict. A wave would have been scattered without any change of wavelength. Photon momentum is h divided by wavelength, even though the photon has zero rest mass.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
About Photons and the Particle Model of Light
The particle model treats light as photons with energy E equals hf and momentum related to wavelength. Questions involve the photoelectric effect, work function, threshold frequency, stopping potential and photon energy, while distinguishing particle behaviour from the wave description of interference and diffraction.
Practise Dawn of Modern Physics
739 free Dawn of Modern Physics MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Physics questions like this
Physics is on 16 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Photons and the Particle Model of Light questions
The work function of a metal is
Einstein's photoelectric equation states that the maximum kinetic energy of an emitted electron is
In the photoelectric effect, increasing the intensity of the incident light while keeping the frequency fixed increases
According to de Broglie, the wavelength associated with a moving particle is
An electron microscope achieves much higher resolution than a light microscope because
Wave particle duality means that