Definition:Compton Wavelength

Definition

Let $P$ be a particle.

The Compton wavelength of $P$ is defined as the wavelength of the photon which has the same rest energy as $P$.

It is defined as:

$\lambda = \dfrac h {m c}$

where:

$\lambda$ denotes the Compton wavelength of $P$

$m$ denotes the mass of $P$

$h$ denotes Planck's constant

$c$ denotes the speed of light.

Symbol

$\lambda$

The symbol for the Compton wavelength is $\lambda$.

For specific particles, the symbol denoting that particle can be added as a subscript.

The $\LaTeX$ code for \(\lambda\) is \lambda .

Dimension

The Compton wavelength has the dimension $\mathsf L$.

Also see

• Definition:Reduced Compton Wavelength

• Compton Wavelength of Electron
• Compton Wavelength of Proton

Source of Name

This entry was named for Arthur Holly Compton.

Sources

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