Question:medium

Which is mismatched for NaCl crystal?

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NaCl: \(a = 2(r^+ + r^-)\), not just \(r^+ + r^-\).
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
  • \( \frac{r^+}{r^-} = 0.414 \text{ to } 0.732 \)
  • Coordination number = \(6:6\)
  • Edge of unit cell = \( r^+ + r^- \)
  • Crystal structure = fcc
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The question pertains to the structural characteristics of the NaCl crystal and asks which of the given options is mismatched. Let's analyze each option to determine the correct answer:

  1. \(\frac{r^+}{r^-} = 0.414 \text{ to } 0.732\): This is the range of radius ratio for octahedral coordination, which is the case in NaCl. Here, \(r^+\) and \(r^−\) refer to the radii of the cation and anion respectively. This option is correctly matched.
  2. Coordination number = \(6:6\): In NaCl, each Na+ ion is surrounded by six Cl ions and vice versa, resulting in a coordination number of 6, which is accurate. Hence, this option is also correctly matched.
  3. Edge of unit cell = \(r^+ + r^-\): In an NaCl structure (which is an FCC lattice with Na+ and Cl alternating), the edge length \(a\) is actually related to the radii of the ions by the formula: \(a = 2(r^+ + r^-)\). Hence, stating it as \(r^+ + r^−\) is incorrect as the edge length is not equal to the sum of the ionic radii, but involves a factor of 2. Thus, this option is mismatched.
  4. Crystal structure = fcc: The NaCl crystal structure is indeed face-centered cubic (fcc). Therefore, this option is properly matched.

Based on the above analysis, the mismatched statement is: Edge of unit cell = \(r^+ + r^−\).

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