The image above represents inter-atomic spacing.
To compute for inter-atomic spacing, three essential parameters are needed and these parameters are Order of Reflection (n), Wavelength (λ) and Angle of Diffraction (θ).
The formula for calculating inter-atomic spacing:
d = nλ/2sinθ
Where:
d = Inter-atomic Spacing
λ = Wavelength
n = Order of Reflection
θ = Angle of Diffraction
Let’s solve an example;
Find the inter-atomic spacing when the wavelength is 12, order of reflection is 4 and the angle of diffraction is 6.
This implies that;
λ = Wavelength = 12
n = Order of Reflection = 4
θ = Angle of Diffraction = 6
d = nλ/2sinθ
d = (12)(4)/2sin(6°)
d = 48/2(0.104)
d = 48/0.209
d = 229.6
Therefore, the inter-atomic spacing is 229.6 m.