The Martian Fossil Scanner · AI Generator #GEN-8F713832

Physics · modern-physics

Problem

A Mars rover uses X-ray crystallography to analyze mineral samples. The rover's X-ray source emits photons with energy E=8.0×10−15  JE = 8.0 \times 10^{-15}\;\text{J}. When these X-rays strike a crystal sample, they undergo Bragg diffraction with the first-order maximum occurring at an angle θ=15°\theta = 15° from the crystal surface. The spacing between adjacent crystal planes is d=2.5×10−10  md = 2.5 \times 10^{-10}\;\text{m}. To verify the instrument calibration, mission control needs to check if the X-ray wavelength calculated from Bragg's law matches the wavelength calculated from the photon energy. What is the wavelength of the X-rays as determined from their energy?

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