Determination of Chemical Composition, State of Order, Molar Volume, and Density of a Monoclinic Alkali Feldspar Using X-Ray Diffraction
Summary
This activity involves using XRD to determine the chemical composition, state of order, molar volume, and density of a monoclinic alkali feldspar.
Collapse
Context
Audience
This activity is designed for an undergraduate required course in mineralogy and is generally for sophomore or junior level students.
Skills and concepts that students must have mastered
Students should have a basic understanding of how XRD works and what kinds of information it can provide. Students should also have a general understanding of feldspar chemistry and crystallography.
How the activity is situated in the course
his activity is a stand-alone exercise, but is part of a larger volume of classroom and laboratory activities from "Teaching Mineralogy," a workbook published by the Mineralogical Society of America, Brady, J., Mogk, D. W., and Perkins, D., (editors), 1997,406 pp.
Goals
Content/concepts goals for this activity
Students will use XRD and XRD data output to better their understanding of mineral chemical composition, state of order, molar volume, and density of alkali feldspars.
Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity
Students further their ability to analyze data with this activity.
Other skills goals for this activity
This activity allows students to learn how to operate analytical equipment (XRD).
Description of the activity/assignment
This activity involves using XRD to determine the chemical composition, state of order, molar volume, and density of a monoclinic alkali feldspar.
Determining whether students have met the goals
Students have met the goals of this activity if they successfully and thoroughly answer the questions embedded in this laboratory exercise.
More information about assessment tools and techniques.Teaching materials and tips
Other Materials
- Assignment description, hand outs, and instructor's notes (Word doc). (Microsoft Word 52kB May9 08)
- Assignment description, hand outs, and instructor's notes (PDF). (Acrobat (PDF) 3.9MB Jul30 08)
Supporting references/URLs
Brady, J., Mogk, D. W., and Perkins, D., (editors), 1997, Teaching Mineralogy, a workbook published by the Mineralogical Society of America, 406 pp.
Mineralogical Society of America - Join today!
A more detailed reference list can be found within the downloads associated with this activity.
Mineralogical Society of America - Join today!
A more detailed reference list can be found within the downloads associated with this activity.