Which process occurs during Compton Scatter Effect?

In the Compton Scatter Effect, a photon interacts with a loosely bound outer electron of an atom. During this interaction, the photon transfers some of its energy to the electron, resulting in the photon losing a portion of its energy and being deflected from its original path. This process is significant in radiation physics because it demonstrates how photons can interact with matter, impacting the way they are detected and the biological effects they may produce upon interaction with living tissue.

The scattered photon has a longer wavelength (lower energy) than the original photon due to the energy loss in the collision, which is critical in medical imaging and radiation therapy contexts. The Compton Effect is a common interaction for X-rays and gamma rays within the energy range typically encountered in diagnostic imaging, highlighting its importance in understanding radiation safety and image formation.