NEET2011PhysicsNuclear PhysicsActual
X-rays are used in determining the molecular structure of crystalline because
Options
- Aits energy is high
- Bit can penetrate the material
- Cits wavelength is comparable to interatomic distance
- Dits frequency is low
Correct answer
C. its wavelength is comparable to interatomic distance
Step-by-step solution
Crystal structure is explored through the diffraction of waves having a wavelength comparable with the interatomic spacing (10⁻¹⁰ ~m ) in crystals. Radiation of longer wavelength cannot resolve the details of structure, while radiation of much shorter wavelength is diffracted through in conveniently small angles. Usually diffraction of X -rays is employed in the study of crystal structure as X-rays have wavelength comparable to interatomic spacing.