Question:medium

A substance has a density of \( 2 \, \text{g cm}^{-3} \). It crystallizes in the fcc crystal with an edge length of 600 pm. The molar mass of the substance (in \( \text{g mol}^{-1} \)) is (\( N_A = 6 \times 10^{23} \, \text{mol}^{-1} \))

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Calculation shorthand: \( 216 \times 6 \approx 1300 \). \( 1300 \times 2 \approx 2600 \). \( 2600 \times 10^{-1} = 260 \). \( 260 / 4 = 65 \). The closest option is 64.8.
Updated On: Mar 30, 2026
  • 54.8
  • 64.8
  • 74.8
  • 84.7
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The density of a crystal unit cell is given by the formula: \[ \rho = \frac{Z \cdot M}{a^3 \cdot N_A} \] where \( Z \) is the number of atoms per unit cell, \( M \) is molar mass, \( a \) is edge length, and \( N_A \) is Avogadro's number. We need to solve for \( M \).
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
For FCC lattice, \( Z = 4 \). \( M = \frac{\rho \cdot a^3 \cdot N_A}{Z} \). Ensure \( a \) is in cm. \( 1 \, \text{pm} = 10^{-10} \, \text{cm} \).
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Given: Density \( \rho = 2 \, \text{g/cm}^3 \). Edge length \( a = 600 \, \text{pm} = 600 \times 10^{-10} \, \text{cm} = 6 \times 10^{-8} \, \text{cm} \). Avogadro's number \( N_A = 6 \times 10^{23} \). \( Z = 4 \). Calculate \( a^3 \): \[ a^3 = (6 \times 10^{-8})^3 = 216 \times 10^{-24} \, \text{cm}^3 \] Calculate \( M \): \[ M = \frac{2 \times (216 \times 10^{-24}) \times (6 \times 10^{23})}{4} \] \[ M = \frac{2 \times 216 \times 6 \times 10^{-1}}{4} \] \[ M = \frac{12 \times 216 \times 0.1}{4} \] \[ M = 3 \times 216 \times 0.1 \] \[ M = 3 \times 21.6 \] \[ M = 64.8 \, \text{g/mol} \]
Step 4: Final Answer:
The molar mass is 64.8 g mol\(^{-1}\).
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