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X-Ray Spectroscopy and The Development of the Periodic Table

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history moseley theory spectroscopy application classroom reference

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Introduction:

The history of the atom dates back to the time of Democritus taking a circuitous route to the present day. Scientific discoveries in both physics and chemistry have furthered our knowledge of the atom and its true capabilities. Reading the chronicles documenting the progress in man’s understanding of the atom reveals much about human ingenuity. These volumes are testimony to the sacrifice and devotion keynoting scientific discoveries. One breakthrough seemingly followed the next with lightening speed allowing for minimal if any time to evaluate the significance of each finding. Ironically many great discoveries were made because of the dogged persistence of scientific investigation yet other findings seem to spring from “fortunate accidents” or freaks of providential timing. There are numerous examples where a turn of events dictated the way our knowledge of the atom unfolded. This project will focus on how the discovery of X-Rays and X-Ray Spectroscopy lead to our understanding of elements and their fundamental property the atom.

Purpose:

The purpose of this project is to explain how the development of the periodic table through X-Ray Spectroscopy was achieved through the following aspects:

1) Showing the history of the periodic table before the development of x-ray spectroscopy
2) Show how the discovery of x-rays led to the quantatitive applications used in x-ray spectroscopy
3) Show how Henry Moseley used x-ray spectroscopy to further develop the periodic table.
4) Discuss how a spectrometer is used to identify unknown substances based upon characteristic x-ray spectra
5) Explain the concepts behind x-ray spectroscopy and the principles used in x-ray diffraction and x-ray fluorscents
6) Show how x-ray spectroscopy is now applied in our world.