Question:medium

A metal crystallises in two cubic phases, fcc and bcc with edge lengths 3.5 Å and 3 Å respectively. The ratio of densities of fcc and bcc is approximately

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Memorize the number of atoms per unit cell (Z) for common cubic structures: - Simple Cubic (sc): Z = 1 - Body-Centered Cubic (bcc): Z = 2 - Face-Centered Cubic (fcc): Z = 4 This is fundamental for any calculation involving density or packing efficiency.
Updated On: Mar 26, 2026
  • 1.36
  • 1.26
  • 2.16
  • 6.13
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Formula for Density: Density \( \rho = \frac{Z \cdot M}{N_A \cdot a^3} \) Where \( Z \) is the number of atoms per unit cell, \( M \) is molar mass, \( a \) is edge length. Since the metal is the same, \( M \) and \( N_A \) are constant. Ratio: \( \frac{\rho_{fcc}}{\rho_{bcc}} = \frac{Z_{fcc}}{Z_{bcc}} \times \left( \frac{a_{bcc}}{a_{fcc}} \right)^3 \)
Step 2: Values: For FCC: \( Z_{fcc} = 4 \), \( a_{fcc} = 3.5 \) \AA. For BCC: \( Z_{bcc} = 2 \), \( a_{bcc} = 3.0 \) \AA.
Step 3: Calculation: \[ \text{Ratio} = \frac{4}{2} \times \left( \frac{3.0}{3.5} \right)^3 \] \[ \text{Ratio} = 2 \times \left( \frac{30}{35} \right)^3 = 2 \times \left( \frac{6}{7} \right)^3 \] \[ \text{Ratio} = 2 \times \frac{216}{343} \] \[ \text{Ratio} = \frac{432}{343} \] \[ \text{Ratio} \approx 1.259 \]
Step 4: Match Option: Approximately 1.26. Matches Option (B).
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