Identify the structure of each of the two unit cells shown in Problem 48 as the rock salt structure, zinc blende structure, fluorite structure, antifluorite structure, or none of these.

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Identify the coordination number and the type of ions present in each unit cell.

Determine the arrangement of ions in the unit cell, such as face-centered cubic (FCC) or body-centered cubic (BCC).

Compare the arrangement and coordination number with known structures: rock salt, zinc blende, fluorite, and antifluorite.

For rock salt, check if the structure is FCC with a coordination number of 6 for both cations and anions.

For zinc blende, check if the structure is FCC with a coordination number of 4 for both cations and anions.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Unit Cell

A unit cell is the smallest repeating unit in a crystal lattice that reflects the symmetry and structure of the entire crystal. It defines the arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in three-dimensional space. Understanding the unit cell is crucial for identifying the overall structure of a crystalline material.

Crystal Structures

Crystal structures refer to the ordered arrangement of atoms in a crystalline solid. Common types include rock salt (NaCl), zinc blende (ZnS), fluorite (CaF2), and antifluorite (Li2O). Each structure has distinct coordination numbers and geometries, which influence the material's properties and behavior.

Coordination Number

The coordination number is the number of nearest neighbor atoms or ions surrounding a central atom in a crystal structure. It plays a significant role in determining the stability and characteristics of the crystal. For example, in the rock salt structure, each Na+ ion is surrounded by six Cl- ions, giving it a coordination number of 6.