Simple cubic

Definition

Simple cubic refers to one of the basic types of crystal structures where atoms are arranged in a cube with one atom at each corner of the cube. This structure is characterized by having a coordination number of 6, meaning each atom is in contact with six others, which creates a straightforward and symmetrical arrangement. Simple cubic lattices are fundamental in understanding more complex crystal systems and play a significant role in the study of materials science and solid-state physics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The simple cubic lattice is the least efficient arrangement of atoms, with a packing efficiency of about 52%, meaning a lot of empty space is present.
2. In a simple cubic lattice, each edge of the cube contains half an atom, and there is one full atom effectively per unit cell due to the corners being shared.
3. Materials that crystallize in a simple cubic structure include polonium and alpha-iron under specific conditions, although they are relatively rare compared to other structures.
4. The simple cubic structure has a relatively low density compared to more compact arrangements like body-centered or face-centered cubic lattices.
5. The simplicity of this structure makes it an important concept in crystallography and serves as a basis for understanding more complex crystal systems.

Review Questions

• How does the packing efficiency of a simple cubic lattice compare to other types of lattices like body-centered and face-centered cubic?
  • The packing efficiency of a simple cubic lattice is around 52%, which is lower than that of body-centered cubic at about 68% and face-centered cubic at approximately 74%. This means that while simple cubic structures are easy to conceptualize and visualize, they are less efficient in utilizing space compared to these other arrangements. The differences in packing efficiency have implications for the properties and behaviors of materials that crystallize in these structures.
• What are some real-world materials that exhibit a simple cubic crystal structure, and why are they significant?
  • Polonium is one of the few elements that crystallizes in a simple cubic structure. This is significant because it highlights how certain materials adopt this basic arrangement despite its inefficiency. Understanding the characteristics of materials with simple cubic structures can be crucial for applications in fields such as semiconductor technology or metallurgy, where atomic arrangement can greatly influence physical properties.
• Evaluate the importance of understanding the simple cubic lattice in the context of crystallography and materials science.
  • Understanding the simple cubic lattice is essential in crystallography and materials science because it provides foundational knowledge about how atoms can be arranged in solids. The simplicity of this structure serves as a stepping stone to grasping more complex lattices like body-centered or face-centered cubic arrangements. By studying simple cubic structures, scientists can better predict material behaviors, manipulate properties for specific applications, and innovate new materials with desirable characteristics based on atomic arrangements.

Related terms

Body-centered cubic: A type of crystal structure where one atom is located at each corner of the cube and one atom is located at the center of the cube, resulting in a more complex arrangement than simple cubic.

Face-centered cubic: A crystal structure where atoms are located at each corner and at the center of each face of the cube, leading to a higher packing efficiency compared to simple cubic.

Unit cell: The smallest repeating unit in a crystal lattice that shows the symmetry and arrangement of atoms in the entire crystal structure.