What happens during a Compton interaction?

During a Compton interaction, an incoming photon collides with an outer shell electron, transferring some of its energy to the electron. This results in the electron being ejected from its orbit, and the photon is deflected at a different angle with reduced energy. The phenomenon is characterized by a decrease in the energy of the photon and a corresponding increase in the kinetic energy of the ejected electron. This scattering effect is significant in understanding how photons interact with matter and is a key concept in both radiation physics and medical imaging practices.

Other options do not accurately describe this interaction. For instance, the complete absorption of a photon would occur in a photoelectric effect, while the ejection from an inner shell typically involves a different interaction mechanism. Additionally, the idea of the entire atom vibrating without energy loss is not consistent with the principles governing photon-electron interactions.