Which effect occurs when x-ray photons are scattered and lose energy?

The Compton effect is the correct answer because it specifically describes the phenomenon where x-ray photons interact with matter, resulting in the scattering of the photons and a loss of energy. In this effect, an incoming photon collides with a loosely bound outer shell electron, imparting part of its energy to the electron and causing the photon to be deflected at a different angle with reduced energy. This process is central to understanding how x-ray imaging works, particularly in relation to the scattering of radiation as it passes through various tissues.

The photoelectric effect, while related to x-ray interactions with matter, involves the complete absorption of photon energy by an electron, resulting in the ejection of that electron from the atom. This effect does not involve scattering or the photon retaining any energy after interaction.

Pair production occurs when a photon with sufficient energy interacts with a strong electromagnetic field, typically near a nucleus, resulting in the creation of an electron-positron pair. This process requires a significantly higher energy threshold than what's involved in the Compton effect and does not relate to the scattering of photons.

Elastic scattering refers to the interaction where the photon collides with an electron but does not result in a transfer of energy to the electron; the photon retains its energy and just changes