Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 3: Problem 1

What is the difference between atomic structure and crystal structure?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The main differences between atomic structure and crystal structure are: 1. Scale: Atomic structure focuses on the arrangement of subatomic particles within a single atom, while crystal structure is concerned with the arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in a larger, three-dimensional pattern within a material. 2. Relationship: Atomic structure determines the properties of individual atoms, whereas crystal structure is determined by the arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules, which influences the physical properties of the material. 3. Components: Atomic structure focuses on the roles and behavior of subatomic particles, while crystal structure involves the arrangement of whole atoms, ions, or molecules in a lattice pattern. 4. Application in Science: Atomic structure is essential for understanding chemistry, while crystal structure is crucial for understanding solid-state physics, materials science, and crystallography.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Atomic Structure

Atomic structure refers to the arrangement of subatomic particles (protons, neutrons, and electrons) inside an atom. The protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus, while electrons orbit around the nucleus in specific energy levels or electron shells.
02

Definition of Crystal Structure

Crystal structure, on the other hand, is the arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in a crystalline material, forming a repeating pattern in three-dimensional space. This pattern is called a lattice, and it is characteristic of the specific material.
03

Atomic Structure vs Crystal Structure: Scale

One of the main differences between atomic structure and crystal structure is the scale at which they occur. Atomic structure focuses on the arrangement of subatomic particles within a single atom, while crystal structure is concerned with the arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in a larger, three-dimensional pattern within a material.
04

Atomic Structure vs Crystal Structure: Relationship

Another difference between atomic structure and crystal structure is their relationship to each other. Atomic structure determines the properties of individual atoms, like their chemical reactivity and bonding behavior. In contrast, crystal structure is determined by the arrangement of these atoms, ions, or molecules and influences the physical properties of the material, such as its hardness, density, and melting points.
05

Atomic Structure vs Crystal Structure: Components

The components involved in atomic structure and crystal structure are also different. Atomic structure focuses on the roles and behavior of subatomic particles like protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom. However, crystal structure involves the arrangement of whole atoms, ions, or molecules in a lattice pattern.
06

Application in Science

Atomic structure is essential for understanding chemistry and the principles that govern the behavior of atoms. Crystal structure is crucial for understanding solid-state physics, materials science, and crystallography, providing insight into the properties and behavior of various materials based on their lattice arrangement.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Molybdenum has a BCC crystal structure, an atomic radius of \(0.1363 \mathrm{nm},\) and an atomic weight of \(95.94 \mathrm{g} / \mathrm{mol}\). Compute and compare its theoretical density with the experimental value found inside the front cover.

Below are listed the atomic weight, density, and atomic radius for three hypothetical alloys. For each determine whether its crystal structure is FCC, BCC, or simple cubic and then justify your determination. A simple cubic unit cell is shown in Figure 3.23 $$\begin{array}{lccc} \hline & \text {Atomic} & & \text {Atomic} \\ & \text {Weight} & \text {Density} & \text {Radius} \\ \text {Alloy} & \text { (g/mol) } & \left(\mathrm{g} / \mathrm{cm}^{3}\right) & (\boldsymbol{n m}) \\ \hline \mathrm{A} & 43.1 & 6.40 & 0.122 \\ \mathrm{B} & 184.4 & 12.30 & 0.146 \\ \mathrm{C} & 91.6 & 9.60 & 0.137 \\ \hline \end{array}$$

Convert the [110] and \([00 \overline{1}]\) directions into the four-index Miller-Bravais scheme for hexagonal unit cells.

Using the Molecule Definition Utility found in both "Metallic Crystal Structures and Crystallography" and "Ceramic Crystal Structures" modules of \(V M S E,\) located on the book's web site [www.wiley.com/college/callister (Student Companion Site)], generate (and print out) a three-dimensional unit cell for \(\beta\) tin given the following: (1) the unit cell is tetragonal with \(a=0.583 \mathrm{nm}\) and \(c=0.318\) \(\mathrm{nm},\) and (2) \(\mathrm{Sn}\) atoms are located at the following point coordinates: $$\begin{array}{ll} 000 & 011 \\ 100 & \frac{1}{2} 0 \frac{3}{4} \\ 110 & \frac{1}{2} 1 \frac{3}{4} \\ 010 & 1 \frac{1}{2} \frac{1}{4} \\ 001 & 0 \frac{1}{2} \frac{1}{4} \\ 101 & \frac{1}{2} \frac{1}{2} \frac{1}{2} \\ 111 \end{array}$$

Show for the body-centered cubic crystal structure that the unit cell edge length \(a\) and the atomic radius \(R\) are related through \(a=4 R / \sqrt{3.\)
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Space Physics

Read Explanation

Work Energy and Power

Read Explanation

Atoms and Radioactivity

Read Explanation

Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Read Explanation

Electrostatics

Read Explanation

Kinematics Physics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free