The recent acquistion of an energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer allows this instrument to be used in the analytical/physical course sequence in chemistry at Saginaw Valley State College. Students have an opportunity to demonstrate the character of atoms through generation of line spectra, to show the relationship between x-ray photon/electron interactions using Compton shift and other effects relating to absorption edges, absorption and photoelectric effects. Since EDXRF is a rapid, non-destructive technique, students who carry out experiments utilizing this instrument acquire up-to-date qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques and a basic understanding of atomic structure and the properties of x-rays, required to enter their respective scientific fields.
