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🧪 Chemistry  ·  Solid State  ·  NEET & JEE

In a cubic unit cell atoms occupy all 8 corners, all 6 face centres and the body centre. The number of atoms per unit cell is:

Answer: 5.

  • A 2
  • B 4
  • C 5
  • D 6

Correct answer: C. 5

Explanation: Contribution = 8 x 1/8 (corners) + 6 x 1/2 (faces) + 1 (body centre) = 1 + 3 + 1 = 5 atoms per unit cell.

Cubic Unit Cells: Atom PositionsSimple CubicCN=6, 52.4% packedBody-Centred (BCC)CN=8, 68% packedFace-Centred (FCC)CN=12, 74% packed (densest)Corner atoms (shared by 8 cells) shown lighter; body/face-centre atoms shown solid

The three cubic unit cells: Simple Cubic has atoms only at corners; Body-Centred adds one atom at the centre; Face-Centred adds one atom at the centre of each of the 6 faces, giving the highest packing efficiency.

Concept context

Explore the ordered world of crystalline solids: unit cells, packing, defects, and how structure determines electrical and magnetic properties.

Read the full Solid State notes →