the diffraction of radiation can be used to determine the spacing between atoms. in practice, the wavelength of the radiation used should be restricted to a value which is of the same order of magnitude as the interatomic distances to be determined. such experiments are commonly performed using x-rays (electromagnetic radiation), however a beam of subatomic particles, such as of neutrons or electrons, may also be used if their corresponding de broglie wavelength is of the appropriate magnitude. calculate the de broglie w