Question

Name the electromagnetic waves used for studying crystal structure of solids. What its frequency range?

Answer 1

The electromagnetic waves used for studying crystal structure of solids are X-rays. Their frequency range is approximately $\mathbf{3 \times 10^{16} \text{ Hz}}$ to $\mathbf{3 \times 10^{21} \text{ Hz}}$.

Answer 2

The electromagnetic waves used for studying the crystal structure of solids are X-rays.

X-rays are suitable for this purpose because their wavelengths (typically in the range of $10^{-8} \text{ m}$ to $10^{-13} \text{ m}$) are comparable to the interatomic spacing in crystals (which is of the order of angstroms, $10^{-10} \text{ m}$). This allows X-rays to diffract from the crystal lattice, producing a diffraction pattern that can be analyzed to determine the arrangement of atoms within the crystal. This technique is known as X-ray crystallography.

The frequency range of X-rays is approximately $3 \times 10^{16} \text{ Hz}$ to $3 \times 10^{21} \text{ Hz}$. This range is derived from the wavelength range using the relation $f = c / \lambda$, where $c$ is the speed of light ($3 \times 10^8 \text{ m/s}$).