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Definition
Bragg’s Law is a fundamental equation in the field of X-ray crystallography, which describes how X-rays interact with a crystal lattice.
Expanded Explanation
Bragg’s Law, formulated by William Lawrence Bragg and his father William Henry Bragg, provides the conditions under which constructive interference of X-rays will occur when they are scattered off a crystalline sample.
Importance
Bragg’s Law is essential in the field of crystallography and material science. It allows scientists to determine the crystal structure of a material by observing the angles at which X-rays are diffracted.
Context and Usage
In X-ray crystallography, Bragg’s Law is used to calculate the positions of atoms within a crystal from the observed diffraction pattern.
Examples
- Example 1: In the discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA, Bragg’s Law was used to analyze the X-ray diffraction patterns.
- Example 2: In Material Science, Bragg’s Law is used to identify unknown materials by comparing their diffraction pattern with known patterns.
Understanding Bragg’s Law
A common misconception is that Bragg’s Law applies only to X-rays. It can be applied to any wave phenomenon, including sound and light, where a wave is diffracted by a periodic array.
Related Glossary Terms
- X-ray Diffraction: A technique used for studying the crystal structure of a material, which heavily relies on Bragg’s Law.
- Crystallography: The scientific study of crystals and their structure, including their formation, growth, physical properties, and atomic arrangement.
Visual and Reading Aids
External Resources for Further Reading on the Glossary Term
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