powder technique
- noun
- Specialized
:
técnica de polvo
- X-ray analysis with the powder technique yields distinctive ring patterns for each compound.
Examples
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The powder technique was used to determine the composition of the mineral sample.
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Researchers rely on the powder technique to accurately identify crystalline substances in mixtures.
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The powder technique is essential in mineralogy.
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Can you explain the powder technique used in geology?
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The powder technique allows geologists to analyze the crystal structure of minerals effectively.
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Using the powder technique, scientists can identify various minerals by their unique X-ray diffraction patterns.
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In mineralogy, the powder technique is often employed to explore the composition of unknown samples.
Synonyms
A method for finding what a mineral or crystal is by using X-rays on a crushed sample
A method for identifying minerals by using X-rays on a small powdered sample to make a pattern
How Specific
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun phrase is compositionally clear: 'powder' + 'technique' signals a method that involves powder, so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it refers to a technique using powdered material. However, the specific technical sense (X‑ray diffraction analysis of powdered samples for mineral identification) is specialized domain knowledge and not predictable from the constituents alone, so full comprehension would likely require prior exposure.
Etymology
Powder technique comes from the simple image of crushing a mineral into a fine powder and then shining X-rays on that powder to make a pattern. The many tiny pieces point in different directions and create a clear pattern that helps scientists 'identify' the mineral, so the technique is named after the powder.