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Chapter 31: Problem 1

Explain the principle of X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Ask a colleague to listen to your explanation and provide feedback.

Short Answer

Expert verified
X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy is based on the principle of atoms emitting X-ray photons of characteristic energy when excited by an external energy source. The emitted energy is equal to the difference in energy between the two electron shells.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Basics of Spectroscopy

Spectroscopy is the study of interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation. It's widely used in physical and analytical chemistry for the identification of substances through the spectrum emitted from or absorbed by them.
02

Explanation of X-rays

X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation with high energy. They have properties such as ability to pass through many materials opaque to light, and they are used in various fields such as medicine and astronomy.
03

Understanding Fluorescence

Fluorescence can be described as the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation. It's a form of luminescence. In most cases, the emitted light has a longer wavelength, and therefore lower energy, than the absorbed radiation.
04

Principle of X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy

X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy is a method based on the principle that individual atoms, when excited by an external energy source, emit X-ray photons of a characteristic energy or wavelength. In XRF, a material is irradiated with high energy X-rays or gamma rays. This high energy radiation can displace electrons from inner orbits around the nucleus. When an electron from an outer shell fills the vacancy, an X-ray photon is emitted with energy equal to the difference in energy between the two shells.
05

Provide the Explanation to a Colleague

The final step would be explaining this concept to a colleague and receiving feedback about the clarity and simplicity of the explanation.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Write a protocol for analysing a sample of soil. After reading this chapter, prepare a detailed stepwise protocol explaining how to prepare the soil sample and analyse it by XRF. Ask another student to evaluate your protocol and provide you with written feedback - either simply by reading through your protocol, or by trying it out as part of a class exercise. (Check with a member of staff before you attempt this in a laboratory.)

Test your knowledge. What are the main types of interferences associated with XRF and explain how they occur and how to avoid them.
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