Bragg law vs interference equaiton

In summary, the conversation discusses the condition for constructive interference, specifically in relation to Bragg's law and the diffraction from a crystal cell. The condition is that the path difference must be a multiple of the wavelength. This leads to different formulas for path difference depending on the specific geometry. In Bragg's law, d represents the spacing between adjacent atoms/molecules.
  • #1
Chemist@
115
1
The condition for constructive interference is: n*lambda=d*sin(alpha)
Bragg's law is n*lambda=2d*sin(alpha)
The diffraction from a crystal cell will also create an interference pattern, so why do these equations differ?
 
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  • #2
The configuration is different, in transmission grating you have [see pict Grating 1].
While in crystal cell you have [see pict Grating 2].
 

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  • #3
I would need more than that. Please elaborate.
 
  • #4
Chemist@ said:
The condition for constructive interference is: n*lambda=d*sin(alpha)
Bragg's law is n*lambda=2d*sin(alpha)
The diffraction from a crystal cell will also create an interference pattern, so why do these equations differ?
This is not a general condition for constructive interference.
The general condition for constructive interference is that the path difference is a multiple of the wavelength.
Applying this to various geometries results in various formulas, as you just discovered. The formula for path difference depends on the specific geometry (and also on how you label the parameters).
 
  • #5
So what is d or more specifically 2d in Bragg's law? I know that it depends on Miller indices, and it can be expressed through them and the side of the unit cell.
 
  • #6
In Bragg's law d is the spacing between adjacent atoms/molecules. To derive those equations you need to know the general condition for constructive interference, which is ## OPD = N2\pi## with OPD abbreviated from optical path difference and N integer numbers. Analyzing the geometry in both figures will lead to different expressions of OPD of both cases.
 

What is the difference between Bragg's Law and the Interference Equation?

Bragg's Law and the Interference Equation are two mathematical equations that describe the phenomenon of X-ray diffraction. While both equations involve the same variables and are used to determine the angle of diffraction, they are fundamentally different in their approach.

How does Bragg's Law work?

Bragg's Law states that when a monochromatic beam of X-rays is incident on a crystal at a specific angle, the X-rays will be scattered in a way that constructive interference occurs between the waves reflected from different crystal planes. This results in a diffraction pattern that can be used to determine the spacing between crystal planes.

What is the Interference Equation used for?

The Interference Equation, also known as the Laue Equation, is used to calculate the angle of diffraction for a specific set of crystal planes. It takes into account the wavelength of the incident X-rays, the spacing between crystal planes, and the angle of incidence to determine the angle of diffraction.

Which equation is more accurate, Bragg's Law or the Interference Equation?

Both equations have been found to be accurate in describing X-ray diffraction. However, Bragg's Law is typically used for single-crystal diffraction, while the Interference Equation is used for polycrystalline materials. The accuracy of each equation also depends on the quality of the diffraction pattern and the precision of the experimental setup.

Can Bragg's Law and the Interference Equation be used interchangeably?

No, Bragg's Law and the Interference Equation are not interchangeable. Each equation is based on different assumptions and principles, and they are used for different types of diffraction experiments. It is important to use the appropriate equation for the specific experimental setup to obtain accurate results.

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