Question

A stacking fault is an example of:

• A. Volume defect
• B. Line defect
• C. Point defect
• D. Planar defect

Hint:

In crystal defects, remember that planar defects (like stacking faults) disrupt the arrangement of atoms in a specific plane, while volume and point defects involve disruptions at different scales in the lattice.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

In crystallography, a stacking fault is a type of planar defect. It occurs when there is a misalignment or irregularity in the stacking sequence of the atomic planes in a crystal lattice. This results in a localized disruption of the crystal structure.
- A volume defect involves defects that span a volume of the crystal, like vacancies or interstitials.
- A line defect refers to dislocations, where a line of atoms is displaced.
- A point defect involves a single atom or a small number of atoms being displaced or missing from the lattice.
Thus, a stacking fault is classified as a planar defect, as it disrupts the regular arrangement of atoms along a specific plane in the crystal structure.