How many six-fold axis of symmetry does a hexagonal close packing have?

Question

How many six-fold axis of symmetry does a hexagonal close packing have? (A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 1 (D) 4

Tardigrade Admin · Accepted Answer

A six-fold axis is that axis around which when a crystal is rotated by

6 0^{\circ}

, we get the same arrangement.
Hence the imaginary line joining the end centres of a hexagonal close packing is called the six-fold axis of symmetry. A hcp can have only one six-fold axis of symmetry.

Q. How many six-fold axis of symmetry does a hexagonal close packing have?

2

3

1

4

A six-fold axis is that axis around which when a crystal is rotated by 60∘, we get the same arrangement. Hence the imaginary line joining the end centres of a hexagonal close packing is called the six-fold axis of symmetry. A hcp can have only one six-fold axis of symmetry.

A six-fold axis is that axis around which when a crystal is rotated by $6 0^{\circ}$ , we get the same arrangement.
Hence the imaginary line joining the end centres of a hexagonal close packing is called the six-fold axis of symmetry. A hcp can have only one six-fold axis of symmetry.