Question

Which crystal structure is exhibited by body-centered cubic (BCC) metals?

• A. Iron ($\alpha$-Fe)
• B. Copper
• C. Aluminum
• D. Nickel

Hint:

Remember common BCC metals: {Iron (α-Fe), Chromium, Tungsten}. Most ductile metals like copper and aluminum are FCC.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding BCC crystal structure.
The body-centered cubic (BCC) structure is a type of crystal lattice in which atoms are located at the eight corners of a cube and one atom is present at the center of the cube. This arrangement results in a total of two atoms per unit cell.
Step 2: Characteristics of BCC metals.
BCC metals generally exhibit high strength and hardness due to fewer close-packed planes. Common examples of BCC metals include iron at room temperature, chromium, and tungsten.
Step 3: Analysis of options.
(A) Iron ($\alpha$-Fe): Correct — Alpha iron (ferrite) has a BCC crystal structure at room temperature.
(B) Copper: Copper has a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure, not BCC.
(C) Aluminum: Aluminum also crystallizes in an FCC structure.
(D) Nickel: Nickel has an FCC crystal structure as well.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Among the given options, only iron in its alpha phase exhibits a body-centered cubic crystal structure.