X-ray Diffraction: First-Order Bragg & 2nd Order Angles

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the wavelength of X-rays using first-order Bragg diffraction, observed at 25.9 degrees with atomic spacing of 0.26 nm. The correct wavelength is determined to be approximately 0.227 nm, derived from the equation mλ = 2d sin φ. The second-order diffraction angle can be calculated using the same equation, yielding a more precise result when significant figures are properly accounted for. Accurate calculations are crucial, as rounding errors can lead to incorrect conclusions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Bragg's Law in X-ray diffraction
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically sine
  • Knowledge of significant figures in scientific calculations
  • Basic principles of crystallography and atomic spacing
NEXT STEPS
  • Review Bragg's Law and its applications in X-ray diffraction
  • Practice calculating wavelengths using different atomic spacings
  • Learn about the significance of significant figures in scientific measurements
  • Explore advanced topics in crystallography, such as reciprocal lattice vectors
USEFUL FOR

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

The_Fritz
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


First-order Bragg diffraction is observed at 25.9degrees relative to the crystal surface, with spacing between atoms of 0.26 nm.
a)What is the wavelength of the X-rays?
b)At what angle will second order be observed?


Homework Equations


m[tex]\lambda[/tex]=2dsin[tex]\phi[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


I solved part b: [tex]\lambda[/tex]=(2dsin[tex]\phi[/tex])=(2(.26*10^-9 m)(sin25.9deg)=.23nm which is correct.
For part a I tried: sin[tex]\phi[/tex]=(m[tex]\lambda[/tex])/(2d)=((2)(.23*10^-9 m))/((2)(.26*10^-9))=62.2 Which is apparently close because mastering physics says,"Not quite. Check through your calculations; you may have made a rounding error or used the wrong number of significant figures." Please help! I am down to one attempt and need to get it right this time. Thx!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The answer to a) isn't 0.23nm; it's 0.22713692995120516100900531927073 nm. If you want to get an answer for b) that's accurate to 3 significant digits, you should use at least 4, preferably 5, of those digits.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K