Physics and Mathematics

What are the concepts in Physics and Mathematics that students find difficult? In this blog I will post tutorial sheets that I hope will stimulate thinking and so broaden the knowledge and understanding of students allowing them to write thorough examination responses. Tutorial sheets, structured to assist student learning, will be posted on IB SL and HL Physics syllabus topics as well as the general topics of relativity, electromagnetism, mechanics, thermodynamics, quantum physics and calculus. The overall purpose of these pages is to encourage and promote learning in Physics and Mathematics and so open new horizons in learning.

Permission is granted to use the material on this blog provided that recognition is given to its source,
the Physics and Mathematics Tutor

August 15, 2025

IB Physics. What is conserved in the Compton effect?

August 15, 2025/ Stephen McAndrew

The HL IB Physics course gives an equation for use in the Compton effect. What are the Physics principles expressed in this equation? These are general questions requiring elaboration in the answers.

Is momentum conserved in the Compton effect?
Is mass conserved in the Compton effect?
Is kinetic energy conserved in the Compton effect?
Is energy conserved in the Compton effect?
In the Compton effect the photon is scattered and in the photoelectric effect the photon is absorbed. Why is there a difference?

Physics and Mathematics Tutor

Physics and Mathematics Tutor

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Physics and Mathematics Tutor

Physics and Mathematics

IB Physics. What is conserved in the Compton effect?

Physics and Mathematics Tutor

Expert HSC and IB Physics and Mathematics tutoring on Sydney’s North Shore

Stephen McAndrew

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