Calculations Involving Unit Cell Dimensions
Chapter Name : The Solid State |
Sub Topic Code : 102_12_01_09_01 |
Topic Name : Calculations Involving Unit Cell Dimensions |
|
Sub Topic Name : Calculations Involving Unit Cell Dimensions |
|
Introduction
• From the unit cell dimensions of the metal crystal, it is possible to calculate the volume of the unit cell. • Knowing the density of the metal, we can calculate the mass of the atoms in the unit cell. • Finding the mass of a single atom gives an accurate method of finding Avogadro constant. • The density of the unit cell is the same as the density of the substance.
Pre-Requisites:
atom, close packing structure, Avogadro constant, dimension
Activity:
Different metal crystals have different density, volume depending on the unit cell density and volume. E.g. Diamond has different density than ruby.
Real Life Question:
How dense are solid structures?
Key Words / FlashCards
| Key Words | Definitions (pref. in our own words) |
|---|---|
| Unit cell | Unit cell is the smallest structures which constitutes the larger crystal structures. |
Learning aids / Gadgets
| Gadgets | How it can be used |
|---|---|
| Blocks, marbles | Use marbles or blocks to construct different types of closed pack structures. |
Real life uses :
Different metals have different densities and therefore are used for different purposes.
Places to visit :
Kitchen
Practical examples around us
| Examples | Explainations |
|---|---|
| Metals, iron, copper | Crystals of metals have specific densities which are determined by the densities of the unit cell of each crystal. |
What you learn in Theory:
• From the unit cell dimensions of the metal crystal, it is possible to calculate the volume of the unit cell. • Knowing the density of the metal, we can calculate the mass of the atoms in the unit cell.
What you learn in Practice:
Density of a unit cell of a crystal is equal to the density of the metal crystal.