(3) An indirect photon hit upon an electron. The photon may strike one of
the orbiting electrons with a glancing blow, dislodging the electron from its shell (figure
2-8). By striking a glancing blow, the photon will still possess energy and go on to strike
other electrons. The dislodged electron becomes a photon-electron and will have
energy itself. It, too, may strike and dislodge other electrons. This is also a form of
Figure 2-6. X-ray photon strikes the nucleus of an atom.
Figure 2-7. Direct hit upon an electron by a photon.
Figure 2-8. Indirect photon hit upon an electron.
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