Examination of the structure of NaCl monocrystals with different orientations

Principle

The spectra of the X-rays that are reflected with various different orientations by NaCl monocrystals are analysed. The associated interplanar spacings are determined based on the Bragg angles of the characteristic lines.

Tasks

1. Determine the intensity of the X-rays that are reflected by the NaCl monocrystals with the orientations [100], [110] and [111] as a function of the Bragg angle.
2. Assign the reflections to the corresponding lattice planes that are given by way of their respective Miller indices.
3. Determine the lattice constant and calculate the interplanar spacing.
4. Determine the mass of a cell and the number of atoms in the cell.

Learning objectives

• Characteristic X-radiation
• Energy levels
• Crystal structures
• Reciprocal lattices
• Miller indices
• Atomic form factor
• Structure factor
• Bragg scattering