Physical Chem Question - Xrays & Crystals

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics homework problem involving the reflection of X-rays off copper powder, specifically focusing on determining the cubic lattice structure and the length of the unit cell edge using the Bragg equation and Miller indices. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and conceptual clarification related to crystallography and X-ray diffraction.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the cubic lattice is face-centered and questions if the d110 planes are correct based on the number of reflection planes observed.
  • Another participant proposes an alternative form of the Bragg condition involving sin(theta) and asks if it is helpful for the problem.
  • There is uncertainty regarding the appropriate Miller indices for the reflected planes, with participants discussing possible sets of indices based on the assumption of a face-centered cubic lattice.
  • One participant raises a question about how to infer the lattice structure from the given angle measurements and whether the remaining indices can be derived from an initial guess.
  • Another participant advises converting the angles to a specific format to identify a common difference that could relate to the lattice structure.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct approach to identifying the lattice structure and the appropriate Miller indices. There is no consensus on the exact indices or the method to derive them from the angle measurements.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge assumptions about the lattice structure and the need for further clarification on the geometry involved. There are unresolved questions regarding the linearity of the plots and the implications of the angle measurements on the lattice determination.

jbowers9
Messages
85
Reaction score
1
[Xray reflection
1. Homework Statement

X-rays of 1.54 angstroms are reflected off copper powder
@
21.65º
25.21º
37.06º
44.96º
47.58º

Find the cubic lattice and the length of an edge of the unit cell.

2. Homework Equations

nλ = 2d sin(Θ) ; the Bragg equation

3. The Attempt at a Solution

The cubic latice is face centered at d110? Because it has 5 planes of reflection?
I tried plotting sin(Θ) vs. n to get the slope and calculate a, but it doesn't seem right?
How do I find the length of an edge of the unit cell and what is the cubic lattice?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Why don't you use sin\theta_{hkl} = (0.5\lambda/a)(h^2+k^2+l^2)^{0.5}

or
sin^2\theta_{hkl} = (0.5\lambda/a)^2(h^2+k^2+l^2)


I believe that is another form of the Bragg condition.

Is that any help?
 
Last edited:
h,k,l

Using this other Bragg equation, what would the representative indices be then for each reflected plane. I'm not sure of the geometry of the lattice in the first place.
 
h,k,l

Is it {1,1,0},{1,2,0},{1,3,0},{1,4,0},{1,5,0}?
Or {1,1,0},{1,1,1},{1,1,2},{1,1,3},{1,1,4}?
This is using the "assumption" that the lattice is in fact a face centered cubic, 'cause the xray pics in the text show 5 planes of reflection for d110, and that's a face centered cubic.
Neither of the plots are particularly linear either.
 
Your OP referred to a "cubic lattice", yes? h,k,l refers to the Miller indices.

The allowed values of h2+k2+l2 are:

hkl h2+k2+l2
100 1
110 2
111 3
200 4
210 5
211 6
220 8
300 9
221 9
310 10

These are multiples of ((0.5\lambda/a)^2)

For your plot, are you using sin^2\theta? Are you also using (0.5\lambda/a)^2?
 
Last edited:
Miller Indices

So then the Miller Indices would be {1,1,0},{2,2,0}, etc?
How, given only the five angle measurements, are you supposed to infer - discern - the lattice structure? I am ASSUMING that if I "guess" the structure or indices of the first angle measurement, the remainder are just increments along the appropriate axis?
 

Attachments

You have a list of \theta. Convert them to something like 100sin^2\theta. Examine the list again and look for the common difference (a multiple of (0.5\lambda/a)^2.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
6K
Replies
11
Views
17K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
8K