This manuscript describes an undergraduate physical chemistry experiment which was recently implemented at the University of Pittsburgh. This experimental exercise uses X-ray powder diffraction patterns to study solid materials. The aim of the experiment is to quantify the lattice parameters of copper, nickel and their alloys. In addition, the students study a physical mixture of these two metals and compare the diffraction pattern with their alloy studies. In this laboratory, students gain experience with X-ray techniques and develop a better appreciation of the distinction between mixtures and solutions.
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Butera, R. A.; Waldeck, D. H. J. Chem. Educ.1997 74 115.
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