This lesson explores the interaction of X-rays with matter, focusing on fundamental phenomena critical to understanding XRF spectroscopy. Through this class, participants will gain insight into how X-rays interact with atoms and how these interactions contribute to the data obtained in XRF spectra.
Objectives
- Understand the position of X-rays within the electromagnetic spectrum.
- Explain atomic structure, including the role of protons, electrons, and electron shells.
- Describe the three primary phenomena of X-ray interaction with matter: photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and Rayleigh scattering.
Materials
- Illustrations of the electromagnetic spectrum and atomic structure.
- Diagrams demonstrating photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and Rayleigh scattering.
Lesson Plan
- Introduction to X-rays
- Discuss the electromagnetic spectrum and the position of X-rays within it.
- Atomic Structure Overview
- Review the basic structure of an atom, including the nucleus, protons, and electron shells.
- Introduce shell nomenclature (K, L, M, etc.) and their relevance to XRF spectroscopy.
- X-ray Interactions with Matter
- Explain the photoelectric effect and its role in ejecting inner-shell electrons.
- Discuss Compton scattering and Rayleigh scattering.
