Question

What are the variables in the graph of powder diffraction pattern of a crystalline solid?

• A. \( x{-axis} = 2\theta; \, y{-axis} = {intensity} \)
• B. \( x{-axis} = \theta; \, y{-axis} = 2\theta \)
• C. \( x{-axis} = \theta; \, y{-axis} = {intensity} \)
• D. \( x{-axis} = {intensity}; \, y{-axis} = \theta \)

Hint:

In powder diffraction, the x-axis typically represents the diffraction angle \( 2\theta \), and the y-axis represents the intensity of the diffraction peaks. This relationship is crucial for determining the crystalline structure.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In the powder diffraction pattern of a crystalline solid, the graph typically represents the diffraction angles and the intensity of diffracted rays. The variables in this graph are: 
Step 1: The x-axis represents the angle \( 2\theta \), which is the angle of diffraction. This angle is related to the scattering angle in X-ray diffraction experiments. 
Step 2: The y-axis represents the intensity of the diffracted rays, which shows the intensity of the peaks corresponding to specific diffraction angles.
Step 3: Thus, the correct variables for the powder diffraction pattern are: \( x{-axis} = 2\theta; \, y{-axis} = {intensity} \).

Answer 2

In the context of powder diffraction patterns for a crystalline solid, the graph is commonly used to analyze the structure of the material. The key variables in this type of graph are as follows:

• x-axis: \(2\theta\)
• y-axis: Intensity

Explanation:

• \(2\theta\) is the angle associated with the diffraction pattern and represents the angle between the incident and diffracted beams. This is key in the Bragg's Law equation, which relates this angle to the lattice spacing in the crystal.
• Intensity refers to the strength or amplitude of the diffracted x-rays at each angle. Peaks in intensity indicate the presence of planes in the crystal that strongly diffract x-rays at those particular angles.

Therefore, in a powder diffraction pattern, the graph typically plots the diffraction angle \(2\theta\) on the x-axis and the corresponding intensity of the diffracted x-rays on the y-axis.