Calculating Density Bravais Lattices

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the density of Iron using the formula for density in a body-centered cubic (BCC) lattice structure. Given the side length of 2.86 angstroms and an atomic weight of 55.85, the correct approach involves using the formula Density = (number of atoms × atomic weight) / volume of the unit cell. The user incorrectly divided by Avogadro's number, leading to an erroneous density calculation of 1.302915E-20 kg/m³. The correct calculation should omit this division, simplifying the density determination.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of body-centered cubic (BCC) lattice structures
  • Familiarity with the concept of atomic weight and its conversion to mass
  • Knowledge of unit cell volume calculation
  • Proficiency in basic density formula application
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the calculation of unit cell volume for body-centered cubic structures
  • Study the relationship between atomic weight and mass per atom
  • Learn about density calculations in crystallography
  • Explore common mistakes in density calculations and how to avoid them
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Students in materials science, physicists, and chemists who are calculating densities of crystalline structures, particularly those working with metals like Iron.

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Homework Statement


Calculate the density of Iron with the following information.
side length = 2.86 angstroms
Atomic weight = 55.85
Body centered cubic, so 2 atoms per unit cell.


Homework Equations


Density = ((# of atoms)(Atomic Weight)) / ((volume of cell)/Avogadro's Number))


The Attempt at a Solution


So this should be really easy, but I can't get the correct number with this formula, what am I doing wrong?

Atomic Weight of 55.85 means a mass of 9.274117017e-26 kg.
Side Length of 2.87 angstroms mean that the side length is 2.87E-10 Meters.
Cube this side length to get the total volume.

so using the formula...
(2)(9.274117E-26) / (2.87E-10)^3*(6.022^23) = 1.302915E-20 kg/m^3.. which is obviously very incorrect... Help meh?
 
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PsychonautQQ said:

Homework Statement


Calculate the density of Iron with the following information.
side length = 2.86 angstroms
Atomic weight = 55.85
Body centered cubic, so 2 atoms per unit cell.


Homework Equations


Density = ((# of atoms)(Atomic Weight)) / ((volume of cell)/Avogadro's Number))


The Attempt at a Solution


So this should be really easy, but I can't get the correct number with this formula, what am I doing wrong?

Atomic Weight of 55.85 means a mass of 9.274117017e-26 kg.
Side Length of 2.87 angstroms mean that the side length is 2.87E-10 Meters.
Cube this side length to get the total volume.

so using the formula...
(2)(9.274117E-26) / (2.87E-10)^3*(6.022^23) = 1.302915E-20 kg/m^3.. which is obviously very incorrect... Help meh?

You already converted the atomic weight to mass per atom. I don't see why you are dividing by Avogadro's number again. Density is just mass/volume.
 
Last edited:

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