Question:medium

The number of atoms per unit cell in a Body-Centered Cubic (BCC) structure is:

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Atoms per Unit Cell in Common Crystal Structures: Simple Cubic (SC) → 1 atom
Body-Centered Cubic (BCC) → 2 atoms
Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) → 4 atoms
Updated On: Apr 28, 2026
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In a crystal lattice, atoms are shared between adjacent unit cells. To find the total number of atoms effectively belonging to one unit cell, we must account for this sharing.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Corner Atoms: A BCC unit cell has 8 atoms at the corners. Each corner atom is shared by 8 adjacent unit cells. - Contribution = $8 \times \frac{1}{8} = 1$ atom.
2. Body Center Atom: There is 1 atom at the very center of the cube. This atom is not shared with any other unit cell. - Contribution = 1 atom.
3. Total Atoms: $1 \text{ (from corners)} + 1 \text{ (from center)} = 2$ atoms.
Step 3: Final Answer
A Body-Centered Cubic (BCC) structure has 2 atoms per unit cell.
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