If the unit cell of copper (Cu) has an edge length of approximately 362 pm and the radius of a copper atom is approximately 128 pm, what is the probable crystal structure of copper?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Copper has a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure. This can be inferred from the given edge length and atomic radius because in an FCC structure, the edge length (a) and the atomic radius (r) are related by the equation $a = 2\sqrt{2}r$. Substituting the given radius of 128 pm into this equation gives an edge length close to the given value of 362 pm, confirming the FCC structure.

If the Unit Cell of Copper (Cu) Has an Edge