Inquiry-Based Experiment with Powder XRD and FeS2 Crystal: “Discovering” the (400) Peak

• N. Stojilovic ^[1] ; D. E. Isaacs ^[1]
  1. [1] University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh

     University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh

     City of Oshkosh, Estados Unidos

     
• Localización: Journal of chemical education, ISSN 0021-9584, Vol. 96, Nº 7, 2019, págs. 1449-1452
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • We discuss how a powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) system can be used to probe large pyrite (FeS2) crystals to reveal a peak generally not documented in the literature. The ability to detect this peak is attributed to the use of a large crystal, which gives large signal intensities. This type of experiment provides a research-like experience and gives students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of diffraction orders. In this experiment students are first challenged to be creative and determine how to mount a mineral crystal in a powder XRD system and then practice critical thinking in order to determine the origin of the unknown XRD peak. This experiment may also be generalized to crystals other than pyrite.