Definition

Noun: 1. A process for identifying minerals or crystals: The powder method is an analytical technique in which a small rod is coated with a powdered sample of the substance. This sample is then exposed to specially modified X-rays. The resulting pattern of diffracted rings is used to identify the material.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The geologist used the powder method to determine the exact composition of the unknown mineral.
  • Powder method analysis revealed that the crystal structure was consistent with quartz.
  • For accurate identification, the sample must be finely ground before applying the powder method.

Advanced Usage

• X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD): This is the more formal and complete name for the analytical technique commonly referred to as the powder method. It emphasizes the use of X-rays and the diffraction phenomenon.
  • X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), often simply called the powder method, is essential in materials science.

Variants and Related Words

• Powder diffraction: A general term for diffraction techniques using powdered samples, which includes the powder method.
• Debye-Scherrer method: A historical and specific type of powder method named after its developers.
  • The Debye-Scherrer method is a classic implementation of the powder method.

Synonyms

• X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD): The full technical term.
• Powder diffraction technique: A descriptive synonym.

Related Phrases

• To subject to the powder method: To analyze a substance using this technique.
  • The archaeologist subjected the ceramic shard to the powder method to identify its mineral pigments.

Noun

1. a process for identifying minerals or crystals; a small rod is coated with a powdered form of the substance and subjected to suitably modified X-rays; the pattern of diffracted rings is used for identification