Question

Why Graphite is used in Compton effect?

Answer 1

Compton effect:

• The increase in wavelength of $\mathrm{X}-$rays and other energetic electromagnetic radiations that are elastically scattered by electrons is said to be the Compton effect.
• It is a principal way in which radiant energy is absorbed in water.

Graphite is used in the Compton effect because:

• The valence electrons are loosely bound into the atoms in the target material, graphite and it functions as a free electron.
• Compton scattering is considered as important as it is the most probable association of high-energy $\mathrm{X}-$rays in living beings with atomic nuclei.
• It is used in radiotherapy.
• It is also used in material physics to promote the wave function of electrons in matter.