Electron Diffraction Videolab

The purpose of this lab is to examine electron diffraction.

Electrons are particles, but according to the theory of Wave-Paticle Duality, in certain circumstances they can exhibit wave properties. When a beam of electrons passes through a small gap, a diffraction pattern will result, similar to waves.

In this experiment, the "small gap" takes the form of a crystal lattice. The diffraction pattern is composed of two rings, which are displayed on a glass dome. The circular pattern is a result of the random orientation of the atoms in the graphite crystal.

By measuring the curved diameter of the rings, one can calculate the spacing between the atoms in the lattice.