X-RAYS CAN BE USED IN THE STUDY OF CRYSTAL STRUCTURE BECAUSE THEY

• A. have a very long-reaching wavelength
• B. have extremely short wavelength ✓
• C. are invisible
• D. are very fast

The answer to the question is: B. have extremely short wavelength

X-rays can be used in the study of crystal structure because they have extremely short wavelengths. This property allows X-rays to interact with the closely packed atoms in a crystal lattice, producing diffraction patterns that can be used to determine the arrangement of atoms within the crystal. The short wavelength of X-rays is crucial for this application, as it enables them to resolve the atomic spacing in the crystal lattice.

When X-rays encounter a crystal, they are diffracted by the regularly spaced atoms within the crystal lattice. This diffraction results in a pattern of constructive and destructive interference, which can be captured on a detector. By analyzing this diffraction pattern, scientists can deduce the positions of atoms within the crystal and thereby determine its structure.

The use of X-rays for studying crystal structures has been instrumental in various scientific fields, including chemistry, physics, materials science, and biology. X-ray crystallography has been pivotal in elucidating the structures of complex molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids, leading to significant advances in our understanding of biological processes.

In summary, X-rays are valuable tools for studying crystal structures due to their extremely short wavelengths, which enable them to produce diffraction patterns that reveal the atomic arrangements within crystals.