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Electron Diffraction in Graphite Experiment

1) The document describes an experiment to demonstrate the wave nature of electrons through electron diffraction using a polycrystalline graphite sample. Electrons are accelerated through different voltages and their diffraction pattern is observed on a fluorescent screen. 2) By measuring the diameters of the inner and outer diffraction rings and using Bragg's law and de Broglie's equation, the interplanar spacings of the graphite sample can be calculated at different voltages. 3) The results show that the interplanar distances of graphite are approximately 3.4 angstroms and 1.2 angstroms, demonstrating that electrons exhibit wave-like properties.

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228 views4 pages

Electron Diffraction in Graphite Experiment

1) The document describes an experiment to demonstrate the wave nature of electrons through electron diffraction using a polycrystalline graphite sample. Electrons are accelerated through different voltages and their diffraction pattern is observed on a fluorescent screen. 2) By measuring the diameters of the inner and outer diffraction rings and using Bragg's law and de Broglie's equation, the interplanar spacings of the graphite sample can be calculated at different voltages. 3) The results show that the interplanar distances of graphite are approximately 3.4 angstroms and 1.2 angstroms, demonstrating that electrons exhibit wave-like properties.

Uploaded by

priyanka .S
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Vellore Institute of Technology BPHY101P Engineering Physics Lab Manual

Demonstration of wave nature of electrons through


electron diffraction
Objective
To calculate the interplanar spacing of polycrystalline graphite from electrondiffraction pattern
and to obtain de Broglie wavelength of electrons at different accelerating voltages.

Apparatus to be used

Electron diffraction tube, High voltage (up to 10 kV) power supply, Connecting wires, ruler.

Basic theory
In this experiment we form an electron diffraction pattern consisting of circular rings, after the
electron gets transmitted through a very thin polycrystalline graphite sheet. Figure showssheet of
graphite with hexagonal arrangements of carbon atoms.

Consider this arrangement as two sets of inter-penetrating planes of atoms each with its own
interplanar distances 1 and 2 in order of Angstroms. These planes can be further considered as
two sets of inter-penetrating multiple slits. If electrons behave like waves and if they are allowed to
pass through these slits, they would get diffracted just as EM waves get diffracted (provided their
wavelength is comparable to interplanar distances).

The apparatus shown in the figure below depicts that electrons are produced at filament,
accelerated and passed through the thin graphite crystal. To accelerate electrons,a power supply is
used. There are sets of circular disks inside evacuated tube in which the right most is anode with
graphite crystal and left most is cathode. Remaining disks are to focus electrons. Electrons passing
through the graphite hit the florescent screen on the right end of the tube. As graphite has two
different lattice spacing, two diffraction rings are seen at each voltage..
Vellore Institute of Technology BPHY101P Engineering Physics Lab Manual

Now, we can apply law to this case. For the first order diffraction
= d sin (1)

From theory, de Broglie wavelength of an electron accelerated through a potential V is


= 12.3 Å/ (2)
From the geometry of the above figure,

(3)

Procedure
First, turn ON the voltage controller and make sure the initial voltage is set to zero. After that,
turn thevoltage knob slowly so that we can see a set of two rings on the florescent screen. Since
diffraction is property of waves, we demonstrate that electrons too exhibit wave nature. By this
demonstration, interplanar distances can be also be found by measuring the diameter of the
rings. For the inner ring, first measure the inner diameter and then the outer diameter
using a ruler. Find out the average diameter . Similarly for outer ring, measure the
inner and outer diameters and find out the average . Now, Repeat these
steps for different accelerating voltages 3.5 to 5 kV, at voltage intervals of 0.5 kV.

Precautions
Never accelerate beyond 5 kV.
Never touch any controls on the power supply other than the switch and
the voltage varying knob.
Never apply force while measuring the ring diameters.
Keep a ruler gently over the tube to measure the diameters of rings. Metalrulers are strictly
prohibited.
Vellore Institute of Technology BPHY101P Engineering Physics Lab Manual

Observations
Distance between graphite sheet and screen (L) = 13.5 cm. For inner ring, d1 =

sin d1(Å)
(kV) (cm) (cm) (cm ) (nm)
(kV)-1/2

For outer ring, d2 =

(kV) sin d2(Å)


(cm) (cm) (cm ) (nm)
(kV)-1/2

Calculations
By using the values from table, calculate sin , , d1 and d2 with the help of equations (3),
(2) and (1), respectively. And then calculate the average of d for inner and outer rings.

Results
Interplanar distances of the graphite are found to be and
Vellore Institute of Technology BPHY101P Engineering Physics Lab Manual

Inferences/Conclusions

Questions on related concepts (Self-assessment)

Q1. Why cannot we explain diffraction by assuming particle nature of electrons?


Q2. What is/are the source of error in this experiment?
Q3. Why does the diameter change with voltage?

Q4. What does the inner and out circle indicate?

Q5. How can you get the interplanar spacing graphically?

Q6. Why do we have a circular pattern?

Further references

[1] [Link]

[2] [Link]

[3] [Link]

Common questions

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Potential sources of error in calculating interplanar spacing include inaccurate measurement of ring diameters due to parallax or imperfect alignment of the measuring instrument and fluctuations in the voltage applied to the electrons, which could affect their wavelength. Additionally, user error when handling the apparatus or reading measurements inaccurately can contribute to errors .

Circular diffraction patterns result from the isotropic arrangement of identical atomic planes in a polycrystalline sample like graphite. As electrons are diffracted by these multiple randomly oriented crystals, constructive interference occurs symmetrically around the electron beam, producing a circular pattern .

The de Broglie wavelength of an electron is inversely proportional to the square root of the accelerating voltage. As the voltage changes, the momentum and consequently the wavelength of the electrons change, affecting the diffraction angles and thus the diameters of the diffraction rings .

Precautions include setting the voltage to zero before starting, gradually increasing voltage to avoid overshooting, and avoiding the use of metal rulers to prevent interference. Such precautions protect both the accuracy of the experiment and the apparatus itself, preventing electrical or mechanical damage and ensuring reliable measurements .

Diffraction patterns are a consequence of wave interference. If electrons behaved purely as particles, they would not create such patterns. The existence of circular diffraction rings, analogous to interference in light waves, reveals that electrons exhibit wave characteristics under certain conditions .

The interplanar spacing can be determined graphically by plotting the sine of the diffraction angle against consistent variables such as the accelerating voltage. By applying the relationship between diffraction angle and lattice spacing, a graph can help visually estimate and calculate these spacings using the slope or other analytical techniques derived from the diffraction equations .

The experimental setup accelerates electrons to high velocities using a controlled voltage source. These electrons pass through a thin graphite sheet with atomic planes acting like multiple slits. This arrangement, akin to a diffraction grating for light, allows the electrons to undergo wave-like diffraction, creating interference patterns analogous to classical wave behavior .

Careful handling is crucial to avoid physical distortion of the apparatus or parallax error that can distort measurements. Metal rulers are prohibited to prevent influence on the electron beam or electrical disturbances, ensuring accurate readings. Precise measurement directly influences the accuracy of calculated interplanar spacings, and incorrect handling can lead to significant errors in results .

The inner and outer diffraction rings correspond to diffraction by two different sets of lattice planes in the graphite crystal with distinct interplanar spacings. These rings indicate the presence of multiple sets of atomic planes within the crystal that diffract electrons at different angles, revealing information about the crystal's internal structure .

The wave nature of electrons is demonstrated by their ability to produce diffraction patterns, similar to those of electromagnetic waves, when they pass through a very thin polycrystalline graphite sheet. In the experiment, accelerated electrons pass through this sheet and create circular diffraction rings on a fluorescent screen due to two interpenetrating planes of atoms with different interplanar distances in the graphite .

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