Question:

Define packing efficiency.

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Among simple cubic, body-centered cubic (BCC), and face-centered cubic (FCC), the FCC lattice has the highest packing efficiency (74%).
Updated On: Oct 7, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Definition.
Packing efficiency is defined as the percentage of total space in a crystal structure that is actually occupied by the constituent particles (atoms, ions, or molecules).
Step 2: General Expression.
\[ \text{Packing Efficiency} = \frac{\text{Volume occupied by particles in the unit cell}}{\text{Total volume of unit cell}} \times 100 \] Step 3: Example.
In face-centered cubic (FCC) structure: - 74% of the volume is occupied by spheres.
- 26% of the volume remains vacant (void space).
Conclusion:
Packing efficiency determines how closely the particles are packed in different crystal lattice structures.
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