Question

Could x-ray diffraction effects with crystals be observed by using visible light instead of x-rays? Why or why not?

Short answer

No, x-ray diffraction effects cannot be observed with visible light.

Step-by-step solution

Given Data

Diffraction is a process by which a beam of light spreads when passing through a narrow passage or across the edge of an obstacle accompanied by interference between the waveforms.

X-ray vs Visible light

According to Bragg’s condition for x-ray diffraction:

$2\mathrm{d}\mathrm{sin\theta }=\mathrm{m\lambda }$

It can be seen that d is directly proportional to $\lambda$, and since d is of the order of ${10}^{-10}\mathrm{m}$, $\lambda$has to be the same order or magnitude. But the visible spectrum lies within 400 nm to 700 nm. So, it is not possible for visible light to mimic x-ray diffraction.

Therefore, it is not possible for visible light to mimic x-ray diffraction.