Why can't atoms in body centred and face centred structures touch each other?

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In summary, the atoms in a body centred and face centred structures cannot touch each other because of the repulsion between the outermost electron shells. This is why the atoms are arranged in a specific lattice structure and cannot be brought closer together without changing the structure. This concept can be visualized through graphical representations and simple geometry can help understand it better.
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andyrk
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Why can't the atoms along the edge of a body centred and a face centred structures touch each other? Is it something to with the reasoning that somehow if they were made to touch each other then we would not be able to get the face centred and body centred structure?
 
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Anybody there??!
 
  • #3
There is always a distance between atoms ... you can think of it as a repulsion between the outer most electron shells. The best they can do is to share some valence electrons via ionic, metallic, or molecular bonding.

Here is a more comprehensive explanation:
http://sciencequestionswithchris.wordpress.com/2013/04/16/do-atoms-ever-actually-touch-each-other/
 
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  • #4
You took the meaning a bit literally. Though even I am talking about the literal meaning but that is because its written there in the material I am reading from. I am posting an attachment. Please see it. Now, in the attachment, the atoms in the (a) part (simple cubic structure) touch each other along the edges but that is not the case in (b) and (c) (face centred cubic strucutre and body centred cubic structure). My question is why can't we make the atoms touch along the edge in (b) and (c) and still let (b) and (c) be fcc and bcc? Is it not possible to do so? Why or why not?
 

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  • #5
My grasp on Solid state stuff isn't really good, the following might be wrong.

andyrk said:
Is it not possible to do so? Why or why not?

Yes, it is not possible to do so. Do you see how a lattice is made? I hope you know that those blue, orange and red thingies (they have same radius) are part of atoms. Consider the fcc lattice, try to make the corner atoms (the red and orange) touch each other, do you think there would be enough space left to fit that face-centered blue atom? Simple geometry might help.
 
  • #6
Those aren't atoms in the images; those are graphical representations to help visualize the different cubic structures. They are large so that you can see the "cuts" required to show how some of them are shared between the "unit cells". See here for other visualizations: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cubic_crystal_system

See this article on two atom thick glass to see what atoms "look like" under a really good transmission electron microscope.
 
  • #7
Pranav-Arora said:
My grasp on Solid state stuff isn't really good, the following might be wrong.



Yes, it is not possible to do so. Do you see how a lattice is made? I hope you know that those blue, orange and red thingies (they have same radius) are part of atoms. Consider the fcc lattice, try to make the corner atoms (the red and orange) touch each other, do you think there would be enough space left to fit that face-centered blue atom? Simple geometry might help.

Hmm..Even I thought the same thing..but wanted to confirm it. Does anyone else also say that? I'll go with the majority then. BTW are you preparing for IIT JEE?
 

FAQ: Why can't atoms in body centred and face centred structures touch each other?

What is body centred and face centred?

Body centred and face centred refer to the two most common types of crystal structures in solid materials. These structures determine how atoms are arranged in a solid and play a major role in determining the properties and behavior of the material.

What is the difference between body centred and face centred structures?

The main difference between body centred and face centred structures lies in the arrangement of atoms. In a body centred structure, each atom is surrounded by eight other atoms, with one atom at the center of the cube. In a face centred structure, each atom is surrounded by twelve other atoms, with one atom at the center of each face of the cube.

How do body centred and face centred structures affect the properties of a material?

The arrangement of atoms in a material's crystal structure has a direct impact on its properties. Body centred structures tend to be more compact and less symmetrical, leading to higher density and often greater strength. Face centred structures, on the other hand, are more symmetrical and tend to have lower density but higher ductility and malleability.

Can a material have both body centred and face centred structures?

Yes, it is possible for a material to have both body centred and face centred structures. This is known as a mixed or hybrid structure and can occur when the material undergoes a phase transition at different temperatures or pressures.

How do scientists determine the crystal structure of a material?

Scientists use various techniques such as X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and neutron scattering to study the structure of materials at the atomic level. By analyzing the patterns and intensities of diffracted beams, they can determine the type of crystal structure present in a material.

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