Work out compton shift instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Compton scattering shifts a photon's wavelength by (h/m(e)c)(1 - cos theta), where h/m(e)c = 2.426 pm is the electron Compton wavelength. A 0.0711 nm molybdenum X-ray scattered at 90 degrees gains 2.426 pm, losing about 4.1 keV to the recoiling electron. The shift is independent of the incident wavelength, which is what proved photons carry momentum.
Compton shift
d(lambda) = (h / m(e) c)(1 - cos theta)
Electron energy
E(electron) = E(in) - E(out)
Because 2.4 pm against 500 nm is one part in 200,000. Compton scattering is only measurable for X-rays and gamma rays.
Backscatter gives the maximum shift, twice the Compton wavelength at 4.85 pm, and transfers the most energy to the electron.