Question

Which crystal structure is exhibited by body-centered cubic (BCC) metals?

• A. Iron ($\alpha$-Fe)
• B. Copper
• C. Aluminum
• D. Nickel

Hint:

Remember common BCC metals: {Iron (α-Fe), Chromium, Tungsten}. Most ductile metals like copper and aluminum are FCC.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The question asks which of the given metals exhibits a body-centered cubic (BCC) crystal structure. Let's analyze the options:

• Iron ($\alpha$-Fe): Iron is known to have an allotropic form known as $\alpha$-Iron (ferrite), which has a BCC structure at room temperature and up to 912°C.
• Copper: Copper has a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure. This is not a BCC structure, so copper is not the correct answer.
• Aluminum: Like copper, aluminum also has a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure, not a BCC structure.
• Nickel: Nickel also crystallizes in a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure, similar to copper and aluminum.

The correct answer is Iron ($\alpha$-Fe) because it exhibits a body-centered cubic (BCC) structure.