Question

An octahedral void is surrounded by how many spheres ?

• A. 6
• B. 4
• C. 8
• D. 12

Hint:

Tetrahedral void \(\to\) 4 spheres; Octahedral void \(\to\) 6 spheres. Remember 4 (tetra) vs 6 (octa).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Geometry of the void.
In close packing, an octahedral void is created at the center of six touching spheres: three from a lower triangular layer and three from the adjacent upper triangular layer, the triangles being staggered.
Step 2: Conclusion.
Hence, an octahedral hole is coordinated by 6 spheres \(\Rightarrow\) option (A).