Question
X-rays are used in determining the molecular structure of crystalline because
its energy is high
it can penetrate the material
its wavelength is comparable to interatomic distance
its frequency is low
Solution
C.
its wavelength is comparable to interatomic distance
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.
