SCHOOL OF CHEMISTRY & PHYSICS

UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL, WESTVILLE CAMPUS

CHEM 340 Tutorial 4: Solid state analysis (2023)

1. The figure shows the TGA thermogram of CaCl2.2H2O. It show two transitions
indicating a mass loss event. Answer the questions based on it.

a. If the first transition gives a mass loss of 12%, explain the decomposition
taking place.
b. If the final transition results in complete dehydration, give the reaction to
show this as well as the mass % lost.

2. In the figure shown which is a combined TGA-DSC of MgSO4, explain both the
TGA as well as the DSC events occurring upto 200 °C

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SCHOOL OF CHEMISTRY & PHYSICS
UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL, WESTVILLE CAMPUS

3. Show with the aid of a diagram how the Bragg equation can be derived.

4. The X-ray powder diffraction pattern of CuCl2 obtained using radiation of

wavelength 1.54 Å gives several peaks in the region of 2ϴ from 10 to 100 °.
Each peak represents a set of planes with a certain d-spacing value.
a. Calculate the d-spacing for the set of planes at reflections of 2ϴ = 22.10°
and at 98.45°
b. By means of a sketch, explain what is meant by, ‘Each peak represents
a set of planes with a certain d-spacing value.’

5. Explain, if you can or cannot obtain an X-ray diffractogram of glass.

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