Question

Will a crystalline solid or an amorphous solid give a simpler X-ray diffraction pattern? Why?

Short answer

An amorphous solid will give a simpler X-ray diffraction pattern, characterized by broad, featureless peaks or a continuous spectrum. This is because it lacks long-range order in the arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules, leading to mostly destructive interference of scattered X-ray waves.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the solids' structures

A crystalline solid has a regular, repeating, and long-range ordered arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules. An amorphous solid, on the other hand, does not have a regular arrangement and lacks long-range order.

Compare their X-ray diffraction patterns

An X-ray diffraction pattern is generated when an incident beam of X-rays interacts with the electrons in a solid, leading to scattering and interference. In a crystalline solid, the regular arrangement and long-range order lead to constructive interference, producing distinct spots or peaks in the diffraction pattern. In an amorphous solid, due to the lack of long-range order, the interference is mostly destructive, leading to broad, featureless peaks or a continuous spectrum.

Identify the simpler diffraction pattern

Comparing the diffraction patterns of both solids, it becomes clear that an amorphous solid gives a simpler X-ray diffraction pattern. This is because its pattern is characterized by broad, featureless peaks or a continuous spectrum, which is much less complex than the distinct spots or peaks in the pattern produced by a crystalline solid.

Explain the reason

The simplicity of the amorphous solid's diffraction pattern is due to its lack of long-range order. With no regular, repeating arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules, the scattered X-ray waves mostly interfere destructively, leading to the simpler pattern observed.