Introduction to X-ray diffraction

Dexter Perkins
,
University of North Dakota
Author Profile
Initial Publication Date: August 28, 2006

Summary

Students collect X-ray diffraction patterns for the experimental products obtained in a lab on Reagents, Compositions, Weight Loss.

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Context

Audience

This exercise is designed for a mid/upper-level undergraduate geology course on the principles of mineralogy.

Skills and concepts that students must have mastered

Students should have knowledge of basic chemistry and of minerals equivalent to what they would learn in an introductory geology class.

How the activity is situated in the course

This activity is the 8th of 36 mineralogy exercises and is used towards the beginning of the course.

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity

  • Learn to identify minerals based on X-ray diffracton results.

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity

  • Synthesize X-ray diffraction results with weight loss experiments conducted earlier.

Other skills goals for this activity

  • Learn to operate an X-ray diffractometer.

Description of the activity/assignment

Students collect X-ray diffraction patterns for the experimental products obtained earlier in a lab on Reagents, Compositions, Weight Loss. Students break up into groups and each group will prepare and X-ray a sample. Students use the results to further interpret the previous heating experiments and then write a report that explains their X-ray results.

Determining whether students have met the goals

More information about assessment tools and techniques.

Teaching materials and tips

Other Materials

Supporting references/URLs