Question:medium

What is the coordination number in a Hexagonal Close-Packed (hcp) structure?

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In close-packed structures, such as FCC and HCP, the coordination number is 12.
Updated On: Nov 26, 2025
  • 8
  • 10
  • 12
  • 14
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

In a Hexagonal Close-Packed (hcp) structure, the coordination number is 12. Each atom in an hcp lattice has 12 nearest neighbors: 6 in its own plane, and 3 each in the planes directly above and below. This arrangement leads to very efficient packing, maximizing the count of nearest neighbors per atom, which enhances the stability of the hcp structure.
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