An atom at the face of a unit cell is shared by how many unit cells?
1
2
4
6
8
Isn't that two? 1 atom and it is a part of two "cubes."
To determine how many unit cells share an atom at the face of a unit cell, we need to analyze the arrangement of atoms in the crystal structure and the symmetry of the unit cell.
In a simple cubic lattice, each atom at the face of the unit cell is shared with one neighboring unit cell. This is because each face of the unit cell is associated with only one atom. Therefore, the answer is 1.
If we consider a different type of lattice, such as a body-centered cubic (BCC) or a face-centered cubic (FCC) lattice, the answer will be different. In a BCC lattice, each atom at the face of the unit cell is shared with two neighboring unit cells, while in an FCC lattice, each atom at the face of the unit cell is shared with four neighboring unit cells.
In summary:
- Simple Cubic Lattice: 1 unit cell shares an atom at the face of a unit cell.
- Body-Centered Cubic (BCC) Lattice: 2 unit cells share an atom at the face of a unit cell.
- Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) Lattice: 4 unit cells share an atom at the face of a unit cell.
Based on the options provided, the correct answer would be 1 unit cell.