Crystal structure of a material is generally examined by X-ray techniques.

Explanation:
Examining the crystal structure of a material is crucial in understanding its physical and chemical properties. X-ray techniques are widely used for this purpose due to their ability to provide detailed information about the arrangement of atoms within a crystal lattice.

How X-ray techniques work:
X-ray techniques involve bombarding a crystal with X-rays and measuring the resulting diffraction pattern. The X-rays interact with the electrons in the crystal, causing them to diffract. This diffraction pattern is then recorded and analyzed to determine the crystal structure.

Advantages of X-ray techniques:
1. High resolution: X-ray techniques can provide high-resolution images of the crystal lattice, allowing for a detailed analysis of the atomic arrangement.
2. Non-destructive: X-ray techniques are non-destructive, meaning that the crystal remains intact during the examination.
3. Wide range of materials: X-ray techniques can be applied to a wide range of materials, including metals, ceramics, minerals, and biological substances.
4. Quantitative analysis: X-ray techniques can also provide quantitative information about the crystal structure, such as the spacing between lattice planes and the angles between crystal axes.

Comparison with other methods:
While other methods like naked eye observation, optical microscopy, and metallurgical microscopy can provide some information about the crystal structure, they are limited in their ability to provide detailed information about atomic arrangements. Naked eye observation and optical microscopy are mainly used for macroscopic examination of materials, while metallurgical microscopy can provide information about grain structure and defects in a material. However, these methods lack the resolution and quantitative analysis capabilities of X-ray techniques.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, X-ray techniques are the preferred method for examining the crystal structure of a material due to their high resolution, non-destructive nature, and ability to provide quantitative analysis. They have revolutionized the field of materials science and have contributed significantly to our understanding of the atomic arrangements in various materials.