Calculating Density Bravais Lattices

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In summary: So the formula should be (2)(9.274117E-26) / (2.87E-10)^3 = 7.907E-7 kg/m^3. In summary, the density of Iron can be calculated by using the formula (2)(9.274117E-26) / (2.87E-10)^3 = 7.907E-7 kg/m^3, taking into account the atomic weight of 55.85 and the side length of 2.86 angstroms in a body centered cubic structure with 2 atoms per unit cell. It is important to note that Avogadro's number should not be included in the calculation as it has already been accounted for
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PsychonautQQ
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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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  • #2
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:

1. What is density in the context of Bravais lattices?

Density in the context of Bravais lattices refers to the mass per unit volume of a crystal structure. It is calculated by dividing the total mass of the unit cell by its volume.

2. How do you calculate the density of a Bravais lattice?

The density of a Bravais lattice can be calculated by dividing the total mass of the unit cell by its volume. The total mass can be obtained by multiplying the atomic mass of each element in the unit cell by its respective number of atoms. The volume can be calculated by using the lattice parameters, which define the size and shape of the unit cell.

3. What are the units of density in Bravais lattices?

The units of density in Bravais lattices are typically expressed in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).

4. How does the density of a Bravais lattice affect its properties?

The density of a Bravais lattice can affect its properties, such as its mechanical strength and thermal conductivity. A higher density usually results in a stronger and more rigid structure, while a lower density can lead to better thermal insulation.

5. Can the density of a Bravais lattice be altered?

Yes, the density of a Bravais lattice can be altered by changing the composition of the unit cell or by applying external pressure. For example, introducing impurities or defects in the crystal structure can affect its density, and compressing or stretching the lattice can also change its density.

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