Question:

In a BCC (Body-Centered Cubic) unit cell, what is the coordination number?

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Common coordination numbers: SC (Simple Cubic) = 6, BCC (Body-Centered Cubic) = 8, FCC (Face-Centered Cubic) = 12.
Updated On: Apr 22, 2026
  • \(4\)
  • \(6\)
  • \(8\)
  • \(12\)
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: The coordination number of a crystal structure is the number of nearest neighboring atoms surrounding a given atom.

Step 1:
Understand BCC structure. In a Body-Centered Cubic (BCC) unit cell:
• Atoms are present at the \(8\) corners of the cube.
• One atom is present at the center of the cube.

Step 2:
Nearest neighbors of the central atom. The atom at the center is directly surrounded by the \(8\) corner atoms.

Step 3:
Determine coordination number. Thus, each atom in a BCC structure has 8 nearest neighbors. \[ \text{Coordination Number} = 8 \]
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