Bragg’s Law Calculator
Analyze X-ray diffraction using the equation $n\lambda = 2d\sin\theta$
Inputs (Leave one field blank to solve)
Result
Enter three values above and click ‘Calculate’ to see the result.
Understanding Bragg’s Law
Bragg’s Law, articulated by William Lawrence Bragg and William Henry Bragg in 1913, is a crucial principle in crystallography. It describes the condition under which a beam of X-rays will be diffracted by a crystal lattice. This phenomenon, known as X-ray diffraction (XRD), is a primary method for determining the atomic and molecular structure of a crystal.
The Formula
$$n\lambda = 2d\sin\theta$$
The components of the equation are:
- $n$: The order of reflection (an integer, typically 1, 2, 3…), representing the layer of planes that is diffracting the X-rays.
- $\lambda$: The wavelength of the incident X-ray radiation, measured in meters (m).
- $d$: The interplanar spacing or the distance between parallel crystal planes, measured in meters (m).
- $\theta$: The Bragg angle, or the angle of incidence between the X-ray beam and the crystal plane surface, measured in degrees ($\degree$).
How to Use the Calculator
- Identify the Goal: Decide which variable ($n$, $\lambda$, $d$, or $\theta$) you need to calculate.
- Input Values: Enter the known values into the corresponding input fields.
- Leave One Blank: The variable you wish to solve for must be left completely blank.
- Click Calculate: Press the Calculate button. The tool will use the three provided inputs to solve for the missing fourth variable.
- Review Results: The calculated value and the substituted equation will appear in the Result panel. Results are automatically rounded to 2 decimal places.
