Materials Science Questions and Answers – Bragg’s Law

This set of Materials Science Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Bragg’s
Law”.

1. X-rays have larger wavelengths than which of the following?

a) Gamma rays

b) Beta rays

c) Microwave

d) Visible light

View answer

Answer: a

Explanation: Larger wavelengths mean less energy. Only gamma rays have higher energy (or
shorter wavelengths) than x-rays. Beta rays are actually streaming of particles and have much
less energy than x-rays.

2. X-ray diffraction patterns are used for studying crystal structure of solids because

a) They have very high energy, hence they can penetrate through solids

b) They are electromagnetic radiation, and hence do not interact with matter (crystals)

c) Their wavelengths are comparable to inter-atomic distances

d) Their high frequency enables rapid analysis

View answer

Answer: c

Explanation: For diffraction to occur, the obstacle size should be comparable to the wavelength
of the incident radiation.

3. For destructive interference to take place, the path difference between the two waves should
be:
a) nλ

b) 2nλ

c) (n + 1/2)λ

d) (2n + 1)λ

View answer

Answer: a

Explanation: Constructive interference occurs when the phase difference between two
interfering waves is an integral multiple of 2π. Also, the ratio of path difference to wavelength
equals that of phase difference to 2π.

4. Bragg’s law is not a sufficient condition for diffraction by crystalline solids.

a) True

b) False

View answer

Answer: a

Explanation: Atoms present at non-corner positions may result in out-of-phase scattering at

Bragg angles.

5. The Miller indices h, k, and l of parallel planes in a BCC lattice should satisfy which of the
following X-ray diffraction reflection rules?

a) h + k + l should be even

b) h, k, and l should all be either even or odd

c) h, k, and l should form Pythagoras triplet

d) all planes allow reflections

View answer

Answer: a
Explanation: If the sum of Miller indices becomes odd for a BCC lattice, destructive interference
occurs.

6. Minimum interplanar spacing required for Bragg’s diffraction is:

a) λ/4

b) λ/2

c) λ

d) 2λ

View answer

Answer: b

Explanation: Maximum value of incident angle can be 90° for which sine is 1. Hence d = λ/2 ( nλ
= 2.d.sinθ)

7. Laue’s model pictures XRD as reflection from parallel crystalline planes. Reflection is different
from refraction as:

a) diffraction occurs throughout the bulk

b) intensity of diffracted beams is less

c) diffraction in crystals occurs only at Bragg’s angles

d) all of the mentioned

View answer

Answer: d

Explanation: Reflection is a surface phenomenon, and large portions of the incident waves can
be reflected. Moreover, reflection can occur at any angle of incidence whereas diffraction
patterns (alternative dark and bright bands) occur only at Bragg’s angles.

8. In Bragg’s equation [nλ = 2.d.sinθ], θ is the angle between:

a) specimen surface and incident rays

b) normal to specimen surface and incident rays

c) parallel lattice surfaces d distance apart and incident rays

d) normal to parallel lattice surfaces d distance apart and incident rays

View answer

Answer: c

Explanation: In the following figure, one can easily deduce that the path difference (PQ + QR)
between the two incident waves is 2.d.sinθ using simple trigonometry. materials-science-
questions-answers-braggs-law-q8

9. In the powder method of XRD, the intensities of various bright lines are compared to
determine the crystal structure. For simple cubic lattice the ratio of intensities at first two
maxima are:

a) 1⁄2

b) 3⁄4

c) 1⁄2

d) None of the mentioned

View answer

Answer: a

Explanation: For simple cubic lattice, the intensities at subsequent maxima are in the ratio
1:2:3:4:5:6:8

10. K-alpha x-rays have shorter wavelengths than K-beta x-rays?

a) True

b) False

View answer

Answer: b

Explanation: K-alpha is formed from a transfer of electrons from L shell to K while K-beta result
from M-to-K transition. Hence K-alpha lines have lower energy (or longer wavelength).
True /False:

1. Copper target can be used as an X-ray source for copper based samples.

2. Characteristic XRD plot is Intensity vs Wavelength.

Short Answer Questions (2-3 lines):

1. Estimate the interplanar spacing for (111) plane in copper having a lattice parameter of 3.4
Angstrom.

2. State Bragg’s Law of Electron Diffraction.

MCQs:

1. X-rays are produced when:

a. Metal gets converted to ions

 b. High speed electrons or ions collide with metal

c. The glass tube gets heated

d. All of the above

2. The structure factor sequence “s” for a BCC Lattice is:

a. 1,2,3,4

b. 3,8,11,16

c. 2,4,6,8

d. 3,4,7,8

Fill in the blanks:

1. ___________ element is used as cathode in X-Ray tube.

2. ___________ peaks are used for precise lattice parameter estimation.

3. ___________ peaks are used for residual stress analysis.

4. ___________ peaks are used for texture analysis.

5. XRD analysis for steel sample cannot be performed using ________ anode/target.

Long Answer Questions (10-12 lines):

1. Why is it called X-ray Diffraction and not X-ray Interference?