What is the difference between atomic structure and crystal structure?

Answer: Atomic structure refers to the arrangement of subatomic particles (protons, neutrons, and electrons) within an atom and is mainly characterized by the atomic number, electron distribution, and electronic configuration. On the other hand, crystal structure refers to the arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in a crystalline solid material and is characterized by a repeating pattern of fundamental unit cells in three dimensions. Atomic structure deals with individual atoms and their subatomic particles, while crystal structure focuses on the periodic arrangement of atoms or molecules in space. Additionally, atomic structure provides information about the chemical identity and reactivity of an element, while crystal structure reveals the physical and chemical properties of a material.