X-ray Diffraction of Crystals

Topic Description

Upon completion of this module, you should be able to know that x-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation and behave as waves and know the diffraction and how it is utilized to determine the structure of crystals in x-ray crystallography. X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation and thus behave as waves. The wavelengths of x-rays are typically on the order of one angstrom, which is equal to 10 power negative 10 meters. All forms of radiation, including x-rays, experience diffraction. Diffraction occurs when waves bend as they travel along the edge of an object or spread out upon passing through a small slit.