In diamond, each carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms tetrahedrally. The number of carbon atoms per unit cell is

Question

In diamond, each carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms tetrahedrally. The number of carbon atoms per unit cell is (A) 4 (B) 6 (C) 12 (D) 8

Tardigrade Admin · Accepted Answer

Structure of diamond can be visualised as an

f . c . c .

arrangement of carbon atoms in which carbon atoms are also present in alternate tetrahedral sites. In such a way each carbon atom has a

C . N

. of

4

.
No. of atoms per unit cell.

= 8 \times \frac{1}{8} + 6 \times \frac{1}{2} + 4 \times 1

= 1 + 3 + 4 = 8

(Eight corners, six face centres and half of the

8

tetrahedral sites)

Q. In diamond, each carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms tetrahedrally. The number of carbon atoms per unit cell is