X-ray Fluorescence Analysis Simulation
D. Bruce Armitage Thiel College, Greenville, PA 16125 Gary L. Breneman Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA
Note:	This program is out of print, but is available for free download by Journal of Chemical Education subscribers. Go to the download page.
X-ray Fluorescence Analysis Simulation simulates the qualitative and quantitative X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of an unknown containing 3 to 5 elements randomly selected from a list of 24 elements. The percentages in the quantitative analysis do not total 100% as there are always inert ingredients, thus all components must be determined. The simulation does not encompass such interelement effects as absorption and enhancement. The limited resolution (2 degrees 2 theta) does lead to some interesting spectral interferences that require switching analyzing crystals and/or X-ray tube targets in order to complete the analysis. Three analyzing crystals [lithium fluoride (LiF), ethylenediamine d-tartrate (EDT), and potassium acid phthalate (KAP)] and two target materials [tungsten (W) and chromium (Cr)] are available in the program. Spectrum of an unknown generated by X-ray Fluorescence Analysis Simulation. While the program is more an analysis simulation than an instrument simulator, it does approximate a wavelength dispersive X-ray instrument with a resolution of 2 degrees 2 theta. A schematic of the operation of such an instrument is available through the Help menu. Students are expected to keep careful notes of all data collected and to devise appropriate standards for each element in order to do the quantitative analysis. Hardware and Software Requirements Programs in Series B of JCE: Software require an IBM PC-compatible microcomputers with 640K RAM, one disk drive, and a VGA or compatible graphics adapter. PC- or MS-DOS version 3.1 or later is also required. X-ray Fluorescence Analysis Simulation supports a Microsoft compatible mouse; a mouse is recommended but not required. X-ray Fluorescence Analysis Simulation requires about 230 K free space for installation onto a hard disk.

First Published: April 1995

Citation: Armitage, D. B.; Breneman, G. L. . X-ray Fluorescence Analysis Simulation J. Chem. Educ. Software 8B1

Keywords: Lecture Aid; Computer Room; Simulation; High School; Analytical; Fluorescence; Identify unknowns

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Last Updated: April 26, 2001 Created: December 4, 1996	Created by: J. L. Holmes Comments to: jceonline@chem.wisc.edu
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