Bragg's Law Calculator
Calculate X-ray diffraction angles and crystal structure parameters using Bragg's law: nλ = 2d sin(θ)
Calculate Using Bragg's Law
Wavelength of incident X-ray radiation
Distance between consecutive atomic layers
Positive integer (typically 1, 2, 3, ...)
Bragg's Law Results
Diffraction Angle
Maximum Order
Bragg's Condition
Bragg's Law: nλ = 2d sin(θ)
Where: n = order, λ = wavelength, d = interplanar distance, θ = diffraction angle
Validation
Common X-ray Sources
Crystal Structures
Key Concepts
Bragg Angle
Incidence angle for constructive interference
d-spacing
Distance between parallel crystal planes
Order
Integer multiple of wavelength
Applications
X-ray crystallography
Protein structure determination
Mineral identification
Material science research
Quality control in manufacturing
Understanding Bragg's Law
What is Bragg's Law?
Bragg's law describes the condition for constructive interference when X-rays are scattered by atoms in a crystal lattice. It relates the wavelength of X-rays, the spacing between crystal planes, and the angle of incidence to predict where diffraction peaks will occur.
Physical Interpretation
- •X-rays reflect from parallel atomic planes
- •Path difference determines interference
- •Constructive interference creates bright spots
- •Pattern reveals crystal structure
Bragg's Equation
nλ = 2d sin(θ)
- n: Order of diffraction (1, 2, 3, ...)
- λ: Wavelength of X-ray radiation
- d: Interplanar spacing in crystal
- θ: Bragg angle (angle of incidence)
Note: The angle θ is measured from the crystal plane surface, not from the normal to the surface.
Historical Significance
William Henry Bragg
Father and son team who developed X-ray crystallography, Nobel Prize 1915
DNA Structure
Rosalind Franklin's X-ray crystallography was crucial for discovering DNA structure
Modern Applications
Essential tool in materials science, pharmacy, and nanotechnology