Which fundamental task relied on the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) instrument?

Answer

Determining the elemental makeup of rocks and soil for chemical signature.

The Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer, or APXS, was crucial for one of the three fundamental tasks required of the rovers: Rock Composition Analysis. This instrument operates by bombarding a rock or soil sample with alpha particles and then analyzing the characteristic X-rays emitted by the elements present in the material. This process provides a precise determination of the elemental makeup of the sample. By identifying the presence and relative abundance of elements like Silicon, Iron, and Sulfur, scientists could establish the chemical signature of the material, which served as strong indirect evidence suggesting whether water had played a role in the rock's formation or subsequent alteration.

Which fundamental task relied on the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) instrument?

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