(a) Derive linear density expressions for BCC [110] and [111] directions in terms of the atomic radius \(R\). (b) Compute and compare linear density values for these same two directions for iron \((\mathrm{Fe})\).

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The linear density for iron (Fe) in the [110] direction is approximately 2.52 nm\(^{-1}\), while in the [111] direction it is approximately 4.03 nm\(^{-1}\). The [111] direction has a higher linear density compared to the [110] direction.

Step by step solution

01

Determine the cell edge and body diagonal lengths

In a BCC unit cell, the cell edge length 'a' can be related to the atomic radius R using Pythagorean theorem. The body diagonal of the unit cell connects two vertices along [111] direction passing through the central atom. For the cell edge length 'a': $$a^2 + a^2 = (4R)^2$$ Solving for 'a', we get: $$a = 2R\sqrt{2}$$ For the body diagonal length 'd': $$a^2 + a^2 + a^2 = d^2$$ Substitute the value of 'a', and solve for 'd': $$d = 4R$$
02

Define the number of atoms along [110] and [111] directions

For the [110] direction, the linear density (LD) can be calculated by considering the number of atoms (_n_) distributed along the face diagonal. Since the face diagonal has one atom at each end and shares with other unit cells, we get: $$n_{110} = \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2}$$ For the [111] direction, the linear density (LD) can be calculated by considering the number of atoms (_n_) distributed along the body diagonal. The body diagonal has one atom at each end and one in the middle, as it passes through the central atom: $$n_{111} = \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2} + 1$$
03

Compute the linear densities for [110] and [111] directions

Now we can calculate the linear density for each direction by dividing the number of atoms along each direction by the edge length (a) for [110] and body diagonal length (d) for [111]. Linear Density for the [110] direction is: $$LD_{110} = \frac{n_{110}}{a} = \frac{1}{2R\sqrt{2}}$$ Linear Density for the [111] direction is: $$LD_{111} = \frac{n_{111}}{d} = \frac{2}{4R}$$
04

Calculate linear densities for iron (Fe)

Now, we will use the atomic radius of iron (R = 0.124 nm) to calculate the linear densities in the [110] and [111] directions. Linear Density for [110] direction in iron (Fe): $$LD_{110}^{Fe} = \frac{1}{(2)(0.124\mathrm{nm})\sqrt{2}} \approx 2.52 \mathrm{nm}^{-1}$$ Linear Density for [111] direction in iron (Fe): $$LD_{111}^{Fe} = \frac{2}{(4)(0.124\mathrm{nm})} \approx 4.03 \mathrm{nm}^{-1}$$ Comparing the linear density values for iron in [110] and [111] directions, we can conclude that the [111] direction has a higher linear density (4.03 nm\(^{-1}\)) compared to the [110] direction (2.52 nm\(^{-1}\)).

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.

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

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

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