Question

What is the coordination number of a cation in an ionic compound if the type of hole occupied by the cation is octahedral?

• A. \(8\)
• B. \(6\)
• C. \(4\)
• D. \(3\)

Hint:

Octahedral void \(\rightarrow\) coordination number \(6\); tetrahedral void \(\rightarrow\) coordination number \(4\).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understand octahedral voids.
In an octahedral void, a cation is surrounded by six anions placed at the corners of an octahedron.
Step 2: Relate void type to coordination number.
The coordination number is defined as the number of nearest neighboring ions surrounding a given ion.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Since an octahedral hole is surrounded by six anions, the coordination number of the cation is \(6\).