The structure of a solid can be determined by diffraction of radiation in which region of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum?
A)infrared
B)microwave
C)visible
D)X-ray

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

X-rays have a wavelength that is on the same order of magnitude as the distance between atoms in a crystal lattice, making them ideal for diffraction experiments to determine the structure of a solid. Infrared radiation has a longer wavelength and is used to study vibrations and rotational motions of molecules, while microwave and visible radiation have even longer wavelengths and are not able to resolve the atomic structure of solids.

The Structure of a Solid Can Be Determined by Diffraction