What is the coordination number of atoms in a face-centered cubic (FCC) structur
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the coordination number of atoms in a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure? (2021)
4
6
8
12
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the coordination number of atoms in a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure? (2021)
Step 1: Understand what a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure is. It is a type of crystal structure where atoms are arranged in a cube shape.
Step 2: In an FCC structure, there are atoms located at each corner of the cube and one atom at the center of each face of the cube.
Step 3: Count how many atoms each atom in the FCC structure is in contact with. Each corner atom touches 4 face atoms and each face atom touches 4 corner atoms.
Step 4: Realize that each atom in the FCC structure is surrounded by 12 other atoms.
Step 5: Conclude that the coordination number, which is the number of atoms an atom is in contact with, is 12 for the FCC structure.
