Final answer:
Variations in intensity of the x-ray beam are the result of diffraction. Therefore correct answer is option 4.
Step-by-step explanation:
The intensity variations of an x-ray beam during its journey through space stem from diffraction phenomena. Upon encountering a crystal, the x-ray beam experiences scattering, where the atoms within the crystal disperse the rays in myriad directions. This scattering prompts the scattered waves to engage in interference, a process where waves combine and either reinforce or negate each other.
The resulting intensity fluctuations are contingent on the spatial separation between the maxima of the converging waves. The intricate dance of constructive and destructive interference manifests as fluctuations in amplitude, directly influencing the overall intensity of the x-ray beam.
This interplay of diffraction and interference within the crystal lattice unveils a complex interweaving of physical forces, providing insight into the behavior of x-rays as they navigate through crystalline structures, offering valuable information for various scientific and medical applications.