Chemistry / Unit 8 Chem 1479 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Coordination Number
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The idea
A particle's coordination number in a crystal is the number of other particles it directly contacts.
In practice
An atom in a simple cubic lattice contacts six neighbors, giving it a coordination number of six.
Where people slip
Coordination number describes direct contact only — particles nearby but not touching are not counted, however close they sit.
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