Question:

Gold crystallizes as fcc unit cell, the edge length of unit cell is \(408\) pm. What is the radius of gold atom?

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In an fcc cell atoms touch along the face diagonal, so a = 2 root 2 times r.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • \(86.6\) pm
  • \(115.4\) pm
  • \(144.2\) pm
  • \(175.2\) pm
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In a face-centred cubic cell, the atoms touch along the face diagonal. Its length is \(\sqrt{2}\,a\), and it equals four atomic radii.

Step 2: Key Formula:
\[ \sqrt{2}\,a = 4r \Rightarrow r = \frac{\sqrt{2}\,a}{4} = \frac{a}{2\sqrt{2}} \]

Step 3: Calculation:
\[ r = \frac{1.414 \times 408}{4} = \frac{576.9}{4} = 144.2\ \text{pm} \]

Step 4: Check the Other Options:
The other values do not come from the fcc relation. Using the bcc relation \(r = \sqrt{3}a/4\) would give 176.6 pm, which is close to (D) but belongs to a different lattice. (C) is correct.

Final Answer:
The radius of the gold atom is 144.2 pm, option (C). \[ \boxed{\text{(C) } 144.2\ \text{pm}} \]
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