Does the Powder XRD Data Indicate a Face-Centred Cubic Structure?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the analysis of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) data to determine whether a substance exhibits a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure. Participants explore various equations and methods related to XRD analysis, including the use of peak data and selection rules for lattice identification.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the XRD data and expresses uncertainty about how to proceed with identifying the structure based on the given peaks.
  • Another participant suggests using the selection rules for fcc lattices, which require that the indices (h, k, l) be either all even or all odd.
  • A participant mentions that they have calculated N values for the first three peaks and notes that these values align with those expected for an fcc structure.
  • One participant questions the accuracy of the peak values for peaks 4 and 5 and decides to ignore them in their analysis.
  • There is a request for clarification on structure factor calculations, indicating a lack of understanding about this aspect of the analysis.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the identification of the fcc structure, with some agreeing on the importance of selection rules while others remain uncertain about specific calculations and the validity of certain peak data. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the final identification of the structure.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention potential errors in the peak values and the need for structure factor calculations, which remain unresolved. There is also a reliance on specific equations and assumptions that may not be fully clarified.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and researchers interested in crystallography, materials science, and the interpretation of XRD data, particularly in the context of identifying crystal structures.

s_gunn
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1. Homework Statement

Using the powder XRD data below, show that the substance has a face centred cubic structure. (xray lamda = 0.154056 nm)

Peak No.------2(theta)
1 -------------38.06
2 -------------44.24
3 -------------64.34
4 -------------68.77
5 -------------73.07


2. Homework Equations

2dsin\theta = n\lambda

d = \frac{a}{\sqrt{N}}

\Delta sin\theta = \left(\frac{\lambda}{4a^{2}}\right)N_{2} - N_{1}

N= h^{2}+k^{2}+l^{2}


3. The Attempt at a Solution

I've worked out sin theta for each sin theta squared and delta sin theta:

Peak------2(theta)------sin theta----sin squared theta---delta sin squared theta
1-----------38.06-------0.32606-------0.10632------------
2-----------44.24-------0.37655-------0.14179------------0.03547
3-----------64.34-------0.53243-------0.28349------------0.1417
4-----------68.77-------0.56475-------0.31894------------0.03545
5-----------73.07-------0.59531-------0.35440------------0.03549

The only example we've covered is with a primitive cubic structure which I almost knew what I was doing(!) and the only advice that the lecturer gave was to "look for the highest common factor of values in the list delta sin squared theta to find

I obviously noted that the difference between peak 2 and 3 was the same value as Peak 2 but what I'm meant to do with that information I'm not so sure about!?

I know that a fcc structure only has N values of 3,4,8,11 etc but really could do with some advice as where to go from here!?

PS sorry that this is repeated from adv
anced physics - i felt it is more relevant here and didn't know how to move it!
 
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Any help at all would be appreciated! I've spent ages searching for answers and the people that I've spolen to at uni have no clue either so i'd love to be able to pass on the knowledge!
 
s_gunn said:
2. Homework Equations

2dsin\theta = n\lambda

d = \frac{a}{\sqrt{N}}

\Delta sin\theta = \left(\frac{\lambda}{4a^{2}}\right)N_{2} - N_{1}

N= h^{2}+k^{2}+l^{2}

d = {{n\lambda}\over{2sin\theta}}=\frac{a}{\sqrt{N}}

{{n^{2}\lambda^{2}}\over{4sin^{2}\theta}}=\frac{a^2}{N}

{{n^{2}\lambda^{2}}\over{4a^{2}}}=\frac{sin^{2}\theta}{N}

\frac{sin^{2}\theta_1}{N_1}=\frac{sin^{2}\theta_i}{N_i}

\frac{N_i}{N_1}=\frac{sin^{2}\theta_i}{sin^{2}\theta_1} This might be more useful?
 
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You have left out the most important part of identifying the lattice type, which is the selection rules. fcc lattices have non-zero intensity where the planes have h,k,l all even or all odd. so you can use trial and error and this equation:
\sin^{2}\theta = \left(\frac{\lambda}{4a^{2}}\right)[h^{2}+k^{2}+l^{2}]
to get the h,k and l for your planes, and compare to the selection rule and... you're done!
 
Thanks so far! I have since been told that the values for peak 4 and 5 are wrong so to ignore them.

Therefore I got N values for the first three peaks of 3,4,8 which I know are right for a fcc cube so now I just have the second part which says I need to confirm my findings with structure factor calculations so I'll see how they go and let you know when it's solved!
 
thanks everyone! I'm handing in tomorrow - still not sure what structure factor calculations are - I thought that's what I'd been doing all along!
 

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