Calculating Bragg Angles for X-Ray Scattering from Table Salt Crystal

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating Bragg angles for X-ray scattering from table salt (NaCl) using Bragg's Law. The spacing between Na and Cl atoms is given as d = 2.82 x 10-10 m, and the initial energy of the X-rays was incorrectly stated as 20 eV. The correct energy for the experiment should be 20 keV, as confirmed by the professor. The calculations show that the angles derived from the incorrect energy do not yield valid results, highlighting the importance of using the correct energy values in X-ray scattering experiments.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Bragg's Law and its application in X-ray scattering.
  • Familiarity with the concept of photon energy and its relation to wavelength.
  • Basic knowledge of crystal structures, specifically the arrangement of Na and Cl in NaCl.
  • Ability to perform trigonometric calculations, particularly using the arcsin function.
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about X-ray sources and their energy levels, focusing on Cu Kα radiation.
  • Study the implications of crystal lattice spacing on X-ray diffraction patterns.
  • Explore advanced applications of Bragg's Law in material science and crystallography.
  • Investigate the relationship between photon energy and wavelength in the context of X-ray scattering.
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or materials science, researchers in crystallography, and anyone involved in X-ray diffraction experiments will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement


The Spacing between the Na and Cl atoms in table salt (NaCl) is ##d=2.82x10^{-10}m##, which was first deduced from Bragg scattering. For an experiment where X-rays of energy 20 eV are produced, what are the corresponding Bragg angles below ##90^{\circ}## for scattering from a large crystal of table salt?

Homework Equations


Bragg's Law: ##2dsin(\theta)=n\lambda##

The Attempt at a Solution


##sin(\theta)=\frac{n\lambda}{2d}##
##\lambda = \frac{hc}{E_{photon}}##
##\theta = sin^{-1}(\frac{nhc}{2dE})##
##\theta = sin^{-1}(\frac{n*1240eV\dot nm}{2*0.282nm*20eV})##
##\theta = sin^{-1}(n*109)##

but this isn't within the domain of arcsin. So are there just no Bragg's angles here? Or is there a different energy that I'm using rather than 20 eV?
 
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I believe your calculations are correct. Perhaps someone else can also check the numbers, but I think the x-ray energies need to be more like 20 keV.
 
Definitely in the keV region. From memory, Cu Kα, a common source, is around 8 keV.
 
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After turning in the work today, the professor mentioned there was a typo in the book and he failed to email us to tell us that before hand. It was in fact supposed to be 20 keV.
 
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