Question:

The metal that crystallises in simple cubic system is

Updated On: Apr 30, 2026
  • Po
  • Na
  • Cu
  • Ag
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The crystal structures of the given substances are determined as follows:

Sodium (Na) atoms are arranged in a body-centred cubic structure due to metallic bonding and atomic size considerations.

\(\text{Na} \rightarrow \text{BCC (Body-Centred Cubic)}\)

Copper (Cu) crystallizes in a face-centred cubic structure, which allows efficient packing and high coordination number.

\(\text{Cu} \rightarrow \text{FCC (Face-Centred Cubic)}\)

Polonium (Po) is unique among metals as it adopts a simple cubic structure due to its electronic configuration and relativistic effects.

\(\text{Po} \rightarrow \text{Simple Cubic Lattice}\)

Final classification:

Po – Simple cubic lattice

Na – BCC

Cu – FCC

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Concepts Used:

Unit Cells

The smallest portion of a crystal lattice which repeats in different directions to form the entire lattice is known as Unit cell.

The characteristics of a unit cell are:

  • The dimensions are measured along the three edges, a, b and c. These edges can form different angles, they may be mutually perpendicular or may not.
  • The angles held by the edges are α (between b and c) β (between a and c) and γ (between a and b).

Therefore, a unit cell is characterised by six parameters such as a, b, c and α, β, γ.

Types of Unit Cell:

Numerous unit cells together make a crystal lattice. Constituent particles like atoms, molecules are also present. Each lattice point is occupied by one such particle.

  1. Primitive Unit Cells: In a primitive unit cell constituent particles are present only on the corner positions of a unit cell.
  2. Centred Unit Cells: A centred unit cell contains one or more constituent particles which are present at positions besides the corners.
    1. Body-Centered Unit Cell: Such a unit cell contains one constituent particle (atom, molecule or ion) at its body-centre as well as its every corners.
    2. Face Centered Unit Cell: Such a unit cell contains one constituent particle present at the centre of each face, as well as its corners.
    3. End-Centred Unit Cells: In such a unit cell, one constituent particle is present at the centre of any two opposite faces, as well as its corners.