Question:easy

The atomic packing factor (APF) for BCC structure is approximately

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Standard Atomic Packing Factors (APF):
- Simple Cubic (SC): \( \approx 0.52 \)
- Body-Centered Cubic (BCC): \( \approx 0.68 \)
- Face-Centered Cubic (FCC): \( \approx 0.74 \) (Maximum packing density for spheres)
- Hexagonal Close-Packed (HCP): \( \approx 0.74 \)
Updated On: Jul 3, 2026
  • 0.52
  • 0.68
  • 0.74
  • 0.60
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Work with a unit cube.
Take the lattice parameter as \( a = 1 \). In BCC, atoms touch along the body diagonal, so \( a\sqrt{3} = 4R \), giving \( R = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{4} \approx 0.4330 \).

Step 2: Find the atom volume actually packed into that cube.
A BCC cell holds 8 corner atoms counted one-eighth each plus 1 full body-centre atom, so 2 whole atoms sit inside the cell. One atom has volume \( \frac{4}{3}\pi R^3 = \frac{4}{3}\pi (0.4330)^3 \approx 0.3401 \), so the 2 atoms together occupy about \( 0.6802 \).

Step 3: Compare filled volume to cell volume.
Since the cube volume is \( 1^3 = 1 \):
\[ \text{APF} = \frac{0.6802}{1} \approx 0.68 \]

Step 4: Final Answer.
So about 68 percent of the BCC cell is filled with atoms, leaving 32 percent empty. \[ \boxed{\text{APF} \approx 0.68} \]
Therefore, option (B) is correct.
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