How is Bragg's Law related to the Phenomenon of Diffraction?

mikioneliir

mikioneliir

Answered question

2022-09-24

How is Bragg's Law related to the Phenomenon of Diffraction?

Answer & Explanation

Kailey Santana

Kailey Santana

Beginner2022-09-25Added 12 answers

I think it is because the Bragg planes are not continuous planes, on the length scale of a typical X ray wavelength. Rather each Bragg plane is an array of regularly spaced scattering centres. So the 'reflection' from a Bragg plane is the result of a discrete sum of terms, in which each term is the scattering from one atom or molecule. The individual atoms or molecules are thus causing diffraction. The total result combines some elements which are like the action of a diffraction grating, and some elements which are like the action of a stack of partially reflecting surfaces.
When we consider reflection of visible light by a plane metal or dielectric surface, one is in the the regime where the scattering centres are closely spaced compared to the wavelength, so we choose not to use the word 'diffraction'.
In the end, then, I think you are correct that the terminology is somewhat a matter of human convention, but there is some reasonable sense to it.

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