The atoms in a regular crystal can act as slits for light of the appropriate wav

Question

The atoms in a regular crystal can act as slits for light of the appropriate wavelength. The wavelength of light is comparable to size of the opening or obstacle so the wavelengths which are comparable to slits of crystal, hence the diffraction, is pronounced. Diffraction condition: when a wave pass through a gap similar to its wavelength, it spreads out in a semi circular pattern. The closer the gap is to the wave's wavelength, the greater the semicircular effect there is. If the gap is smaller than the wave length, the wave will not pass. (Past answer from cramster)

Please explain in detail concerning what wavelengths do you think would be appropriate in terms of someone using diffraction to determine the spacing between atoms in a crystal?

Explanation / Answer

The spacing of atoms in say, a salt (NaCl) crystal is 2.82 * 10E-10 m. Diffraction by atoms in a crystal is called "Bragg Diffraction". n * wavelength = 2 d sin theta describes this type of diffraction where n is the order, d the atom spacing, and theta the angle the incident beam makes with the plane of the crystal. Wavelengths of this order are X-Rays. X-Rays lie in the area of (.01 - 100) * 10E-10 m whereas visible light lies in the area of (400 - 700) * 10E-10 m.

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