Solving Solid State Physics: Max Wavelength of Po Crystal Diffraction

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
1 reply · 6K views
kel
Messages
62
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



The element Po forms a crystal with a simple cubic structure of spacing
(3.34A). What is the maximal wavelength of radiation that is diffracted from a powder of that crystal

Homework Equations


N/a, however I thought that it may well be something to do with the bragg equation i.e 2d sin(angle) = n*wavelength


The Attempt at a Solution



I had started using the bragg equation, but it's fairly obvious to see that I need to have the angle of incident/reflection also in order to find the wavelength.

As this is the first time that I have had any experience of solid state, I'm really not quite getting it - probably just me.

Could you suggest where I may be going wrong i.e. am I using the wrong equation for this question? and could you suggest a starting point.

I guess that I need to use some feature of the cubic structure in order to calculate this, but I'm a bit lost.

Thanks
Kel
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The question asks for the maximum wavelength and so all you have to do is think of what sin theta will give you the largest value.