In the unit cell of sphalerite, Zn²⁺ ions occupy half the tetrahedral holes in a face-centered cubic lattice of S^2- ions. What is the number of formula units of ZnS in the unit cell?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a face-centered cubic (FCC) lattice, there are 8 tetrahedral holes per FCC unit cell. Since ZnS occupies half of these tetrahedral holes in sphalerite, it means 4 of the 8 holes are filled, resulting in 4 formula units of ZnS per unit cell.

In the Unit Cell of Sphalerite, Zn2+ Ions Occupy Half

In the Unit Cell of Sphalerite, Zn²⁺ Ions Occupy Half