Question

The coordination number of an atom in a body-centered cubic structure is _________. [Assume that the lattice is made up of atoms.]

Hint:

Common Coordination Numbers: Simple Cubic = 6, BCC = 8, FCC/HCP = 12.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 8

Step 1: In a body-centered cubic (BCC) unit cell, there are atoms at each of the eight corners and one atom at the center of the cube.
Step 2: The central atom is in direct contact with all eight corner atoms.
Step 3: Therefore, the number of nearest neighbors (coordination number) for the central atom is 8.
Step 4: By symmetry, the corner atoms also have a coordination number of 8 in the extended lattice.