Chemistry / Unit 8 Chem 1488 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Face-Centered Cubic Unit Cell
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The idea
A face-centered cubic cell adds one particle centered on each of its six faces, giving four particles total and coordination number twelve.
In practice
Copper, aluminum, and lead all crystallize face-centered cubic, packing more tightly than simple or body-centered cubic.
Where people slip
A face-centered particle is shared between two cells, contributing one-half each, unlike a corner particle's one-eighth share.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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