Projects

Episode 529: Preparation for X- ray and neutron diffraction topic

Students can apply their understanding of diffraction to X-ray and neutron diffraction studies of the structure of matter.

This topic could extend a study of diffraction of waves, or be part of a study of material structures, or of atomic physics.

Episode 530: X-ray diffraction

Episode 531: Neutron diffraction

Main aims Students will: Relate diffraction effects to the spacing of gratings etc. and to the wavelength of the radiation involved. State some uses of X-ray and neutron diffraction. Apply Bragg’s law.

Prior knowledge

Students should be familiar with diffraction due to a standard (transmission) grating (d sin q = nl), de Broglie’s formula l = h/p. It will also help if they are aware that, at (absolute) temperature T, typical energy ~ kT.

Where this leads

This topic could lead into a study of the structures and properties of solid materials.

Download Word version of Episode 529 (28 KB)

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