Calculating the Mass of an Aluminum Unit Cell

In summary, the density of aluminum is 2.699 g/cm3 and its atoms are arranged in a face-centered cubic crystal lattice. To find the mass of a unit cell, you multiply the density by the number of atoms in the cell. In fcc, all atoms lie on the cell walls, so they are only partially within the cell. To account for this, you sum the fractions of atoms within the cell, resulting in a mass of 1.792*10^-22g per unit cell.
  • #1
tica86
79
0
Aluminum has a density of 2.699 g/cm3 , and the atoms are packed in a face-centered cubic crystal lattice. Find the mass of a unit cell.

-----I already know the answer is 1.792*10^-22g/unit cell

I have a question about how you get the answer:
I know you multiply 4.480*10^-23g * 4 atoms/1 unit cell= the answer

where does the 4 atoms come from?
 
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  • #2
Geometry of the cell. In fcc all atoms lie on the cell walls, so they are only partially belong to the cell. Sum these fractions.
 
  • #3
Borek said:
Geometry of the cell. In fcc all atoms lie on the cell walls, so they are only partially belong to the cell. Sum these fractions.

got it, thanks!
 

1. What is an aluminum unit cell?

An aluminum unit cell is the smallest repeating unit of an aluminum crystal lattice. It consists of 8 aluminum atoms arranged in a specific pattern.

2. How do you calculate the mass of an aluminum unit cell?

The mass of an aluminum unit cell can be calculated by multiplying the number of atoms in the unit cell (8) by the atomic mass of aluminum (26.98 g/mol).

3. What is the formula for calculating the mass of an aluminum unit cell?

The formula for calculating the mass of an aluminum unit cell is: mass = number of atoms x atomic mass of aluminum.

4. Can the mass of an aluminum unit cell vary?

No, the mass of an aluminum unit cell is a constant value since the number of atoms and the atomic mass of aluminum do not change.

5. Why is it important to calculate the mass of an aluminum unit cell?

Calculating the mass of an aluminum unit cell is important in understanding the properties of aluminum and in studying its crystal structure. It also allows for accurate measurements in experiments and industrial processes involving aluminum.

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