X-ray Diffraction Patterns

X-ray diffraction patterns are a tool used to study the structure of materials at the atomic level. When X-rays collide with a crystal, they scatter in specific directions, creating a pattern of spots on a detector. This pattern reveals information about the arrangement of atoms within the crystal. Scientists analyze these patterns to determine properties such as the size and shape of unit cells, symmetry, and the distances between atoms. X-ray diffraction is widely used in fields like chemistry, materials science, and biology to understand the composition and behavior of various substances.