How to find the coordination number of a unit cell?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the method or process to determine the coordination number of a unit cell in a crystal lattice. The coordination number is related to how many nearest neighbors surround a central atom in the unit cell structure.
Answer
Count the nearest neighbor atoms in contact with the central atom.
The coordination number is found by counting the nearest neighbor atoms in contact with the central atom in the unit cell. For FCC, it's 12; for BCC, it's 8.
Answer for screen readers
The coordination number is found by counting the nearest neighbor atoms in contact with the central atom in the unit cell. For FCC, it's 12; for BCC, it's 8.
More Information
The concept of coordination numbers is crucial for understanding the properties of crystals and solids. The coordination number helps in determining the packing efficiency and density of the crystal.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the coordination number of a single atom with the number of atoms within a unit cell. Make sure to count only the nearest neighbors touching the central atom.
Sources
- How do you find the coordination number of a unit cell? - Study.com - homework.study.com
- Coordination Number Definition in Chemistry - ThoughtCo - thoughtco.com
- 8.8: Coordination Number - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
