Physics SL
Physics SL
5
Chapters
329
Notes
Theme A - Space, Time & Motion
Theme A - Space, Time & Motion
Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter
Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Theme D - Fields
Theme D - Fields
Theme E - Nuclear & Quantum Physics
Theme E - Nuclear & Quantum Physics
IB Resources
Theme E - Nuclear & Quantum Physics
Physics SL
Physics SL

Theme E - Nuclear & Quantum Physics

Unveiling Photon-Matter Interactions: Beyond Compton & Photoelectric Effects

Word Count Emoji
698 words
Reading Time Emoji
4 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Ahoy young physicist! Ready to dive into the world of photons and matter? Fasten your seatbelts because things are about to get LIGHTy... okay, puns aside, let's get to it.

The Photoelectric Effect 🌞

  • What is it?
    • Happens when photons with a teeny bit of energy (from a few electronvolts, eV, to a few thousand eV or keV) hit metals and make them shoot out electrons.
  • Energy range: Visible light up to the least energetic X-rays.
  • What happens?
    • Photon gives ALL its energy to the metal and gets completely absorbed. Think of it as giving your full pocket money to buy that one big toy you've always wanted.
  • Real-life example: Solar panels! They convert sunlight (yes, those are photons) into electricity using the photoelectric effect.

The Compton Effect 🌀

  • What is it?
    • When photons get scattered after hitting matter, and their frequency changes.
  • Energy range: Up to about 1 mega-electronvolt (MeV).
  • Real-life example: When you throw a ball at a wall, it bounces back. The Compton effect is like that but for photons and matter.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Physics SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟

Nail IB's App Icon
IB Resources
Theme E - Nuclear & Quantum Physics
Physics SL
Physics SL

Theme E - Nuclear & Quantum Physics

Unveiling Photon-Matter Interactions: Beyond Compton & Photoelectric Effects

Word Count Emoji
698 words
Reading Time Emoji
4 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Ahoy young physicist! Ready to dive into the world of photons and matter? Fasten your seatbelts because things are about to get LIGHTy... okay, puns aside, let's get to it.

The Photoelectric Effect 🌞

  • What is it?
    • Happens when photons with a teeny bit of energy (from a few electronvolts, eV, to a few thousand eV or keV) hit metals and make them shoot out electrons.
  • Energy range: Visible light up to the least energetic X-rays.
  • What happens?
    • Photon gives ALL its energy to the metal and gets completely absorbed. Think of it as giving your full pocket money to buy that one big toy you've always wanted.
  • Real-life example: Solar panels! They convert sunlight (yes, those are photons) into electricity using the photoelectric effect.

The Compton Effect 🌀

  • What is it?
    • When photons get scattered after hitting matter, and their frequency changes.
  • Energy range: Up to about 1 mega-electronvolt (MeV).
  • Real-life example: When you throw a ball at a wall, it bounces back. The Compton effect is like that but for photons and matter.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Physics SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟

AI Assist

Expand

AI Avatar
Hello there,
how can I help you today?