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Using Overhead Projector to Simulate X-ray Diffraction Experiments

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Veljko Dragojlovic

Department of Chemistry, Northwest Community College, 5331 McConnell Avenue, Terrace, BC, V8G 4C2, Canada

J. Chem. Educ., 1999, 76 (9), p 1240

DOI: 10.1021/ed076p1240

Publication Date (Web): September 1, 1999

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

A demonstration to simulate X-ray diffraction experiments can be performed using an overhead projector. The glass surface of the overhead projector is covered with a piece of cardboard that has an 8-mm circular or square hole in the center. The projector is focused so that a circular, or square, spot is projected onto the screen. In the light-beam path we place a pattern made of a combination of transmission diffraction gratings. The obtained diffraction pattern depends on the combination of diffraction gratings. In a dark room, third-order diffraction spots are visible when relatively good-quality gratings are used. A projection distance of 2.4 m gives an 80-cm diffraction spacing (first order, red band) on the screen. As a classroom activity, the spacing between the lines of a grating or, once the spacing is known, the wavelength of diffracted light can be calculated.

Keywords (Audience):

High School / Introductory Chemistry

Keywords (Domain):

Demonstrations

Keywords (Feature):

Overhead Projector Demonstrations

Keywords (Subject):

Crystals / Crystallography

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This article has been cited by 2 ACS Journal articles (2 most recent appear below).

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  Journal of Chemical Education2010 87 (11), 1257-1259
  Bruker SMART X2S is a portable benchtop diffractometer that requires only a 110 V outlet to operate. The instrument operation is intuitive and facile with an automation layer governing the workflow from behind the scenes. The user participation is ...
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Designing, Teaching, and Evaluating a Unit on Symmetry and Crystallography in the High School Classroom
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Journal of Chemical Education2009 86 (8), 946
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  Journal of Chemical Education2009 86 (8), 946
  An innovative teaching and research partnership was developed in collaboration with public high school chemistry teachers from the Talawanda (Ohio) School District and faculty, staff, and students from Miami University. With the involvement of high school ...
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links