COMEDK2022ChemistrySolid State
How many atoms are present in hcp per unit cell?
Options
- A4
- B2
- C1
- D6
Correct answer
D. 6
Step-by-step solution
In a hexagonal close packing (hcp) unit cell, the number of atoms is calculated by summing the contributions from atoms at different positions. The unit cell has 12 atoms at the corners of the hexagonal faces, each contributing 1 6 to the unit cell. Thus, the contribution from corner atoms is 12 1 6 = 2 . There are 2 atoms at the centers of the top and bottom hexagonal faces, each contributing 1 2 to the unit cell. Thus, the contribution from face-centered atoms is 2 1 2 = 1 . There are 3 atoms located entirely wit