Question

What is the coordination number of particle in simple cubic structure ?

• A. \(2\)
• B. \(4\)
• C. \(6\)
• D. \(12\)

Hint:

Each particle in a simple cubic lattice touches six neighbours.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Coordination number is the number of nearest neighbour particles that touch a given particle in a crystal.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In a simple cubic (primitive) structure, particles sit at the corners of a cube. A given particle has one neighbour in each of the six directions: left and right, front and back, up and down. So the number of nearest neighbours is 6.

Step 3: Comparison:
For comparison, bcc has coordination number 8, and fcc and hcp (both closest packed) have 12.

Step 4: Why the other options are wrong.
The value 2 (A) is characteristic of a linear chain, and 4 (B) is found in a square arrangement or in tetrahedral coordination. The value 12 (D) belongs to closest packed structures, and simple cubic is not close packed.

Final Answer:
The coordination number is 6, option (C). \[ \boxed{6} \]