Question:

What is the total number of spheres that surrounds the tetrahedral hole in the close-packed three-dimensional structure?

Show Hint

A tetrahedral void sits among 4 touching spheres.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • \(2\)
  • \(4\)
  • \(6\)
  • \(8\)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Define the hole
A tetrahedral hole is formed when one sphere sits in the depression of three spheres in a layer, with a fourth sphere on top.

Step 2: Count
Three spheres in the lower layer plus one above gives \(4\) spheres whose centres form a tetrahedron. Octahedral holes have \(6\) neighbours instead. Option (B).

Final Answer:
A tetrahedral hole has \(4\) surrounding spheres, option (B). \[ \boxed{\text{(B)}} \]
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