X-Ray Powder Diffraction
X-RAY POWDER DIFFRACTION is a process of identifying the crystal structure (i.e. atomic spacing) of a powder sample using x-rays. It can tell you both what elements are present as well as differentiating between polymorphs. PRODUCING X-RAYS Electrons are freed from a tungsten filament (aka cathode) by heating, where the valence electrons are free to move with very little energy input. Normally the electrons would stay within the metal because it becomes (+) charged when the electrons leave, drawing them…