Scherrer Equation unit dilemma

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SUMMARY

The Scherrer equation, L = (0.9λ)/(βcosθ), is used in powder diffraction to calculate particle size. In this equation, λ represents the radiation wavelength measured in angstroms, β is the full width at half maximum (FWHM) expressed in radians, and θ is Bragg's angle in degrees. The correct unit for particle size L is also angstroms. A common confusion arises from the unit of β, which must be in radians for accurate calculations, as clarified in the discussion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Scherrer equation in powder diffraction
  • Knowledge of Bragg's law and its application
  • Familiarity with units of measurement in crystallography
  • Basic concepts of full width at half maximum (FWHM)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation and applications of the Scherrer equation in material science
  • Learn about the significance of FWHM in X-ray diffraction analysis
  • Explore the relationship between particle size and diffraction patterns
  • Study the conversion of angles from degrees to radians in scientific calculations
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Researchers in material science, crystallographers, and students studying powder diffraction techniques will benefit from this discussion.

NaN089
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Hi,

I am a bit confused about the units of

L = (0.9λ)/(βcosθ)

the Scherrer equation used in powder diffraction. My idea is

λ= radiation wavelength with unit (angstrom)
β= FWHM with unit (radians)
θ= braggs angle with unit (degrees)
L= particle size with unit (angstrom)

Am I right in saying so?

Thanks
 
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Thank you for your help. The notes that my lecturer gave had the info that I provided here. I was a bit confused and had to check with someone else. Now I know it was a printing mistake. They need to be in radians.

Thanks
 

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