Question

What are the characteristics of a simple cubic (SC) structure in terms of atoms per cell and coordination number?

1) 1 atom per cell and coordination number of 6
2) 2 atoms per cell and coordination number of 8
3) 4 atoms per cell and coordination number of 12
4) 8 atoms per cell and coordination number of 24

Answer 1

A simple cubic (SC) structure has 1 atom per cell and a coordination number of 6.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a simple cubic (SC) structure, there is 1 atom per cell and a coordination number of 6.

The coordination number refers to the number of atoms surrounding a central atom in a crystal lattice structure. In the case of a simple cubic structure, each atom contacts six other atoms.

This arrangement is relatively inefficient and has a low packing density of about 52%.