Why is it that when photons fall on atoms, it would be absorbed only if it posses specific energy corresponding to the energy differences between orbitals, whereas for Compton effect, it can be scattered, losing part of its energy only.
2007-10-22 17:22:54 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Quite frankly I was hoping someone with more knowledge would answer your question.
Notwithstanding, my guess is that the probabilty of a photon delivering just the right energy to have an electron jump orbitals and then for the photon to scatter ala Compton is very minute. I'd expect some sort of broad gausian type curve, so that if it did happen, it would be drown out by all other background stuff.
Additionally, the Compton effect deals with some relatively high energy photons compared with the change in orbitals which would make it less probable that an interaction would provide the right amount of energy to bump orbitals.
2007-10-22 18:49:11 · answer #1 · answered by Frst Grade Rocks! Ω 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Those aren't the only possible photon interactions. Light can be absorbed by increasing the kinetic energy of the molecules in a mass, not the electron orbits. That's why sunshine feels warm on you. If I ever understoond Compton scattering, I forgot. You probably have more life left than I do; perhaps you can figure this out.
2007-10-22 18:15:43 · answer #2 · answered by Frank N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋