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mahela007
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What is the connection between spherical packing and lattice structures of atoms or molecule? For example, i can't see any relationship between spherical packing and the structure of graphite..
Connection between spherical packing and lattices?
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In summary, spherical packing is not universally applicable to all lattice structures. It is only applicable when the lattice is FCC or HCP, and it is not the starting point for understanding crystal formation. Some textbooks may mention it as a way to understand the geometrical requirements of crystal formation, but it is not a universal model.
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Borek
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Good, structure of graphite is not related to spherical packing. However, take a look at structures of metals.
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mahela007
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So when can spherical packing be "applied" to a lattice?
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Borek
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Whenever we know it can be applied 
Honestly, I have troubles answering as I feel this question is putting things on the head. We start with a lattice. We research its crystallic structure using crystallographic methods. Once we know that it is FCC or HCP lattice, we know spherical packing will work. So we don't start with spherical packing and look where to apply it, but we start with a lattice and check if spherical packing (or some other sctructure) can be used to describe its properties.
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Honestly, I have troubles answering as I feel this question is putting things on the head. We start with a lattice. We research its crystallic structure using crystallographic methods. Once we know that it is FCC or HCP lattice, we know spherical packing will work. So we don't start with spherical packing and look where to apply it, but we start with a lattice and check if spherical packing (or some other sctructure) can be used to describe its properties.
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methods
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mahela007
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So spherical packing is not a universal model which all lattices must follow?
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Borek
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Definitely not.
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mahela007
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Well, my chemistry textbook (Advanced chemistry by Raymond Chang 8e) says that the general geometrical requirements of crystal formation can by understood by spherical packing. What does that mean?
1. What is the connection between spherical packing and lattices?
The connection between spherical packing and lattices lies in the arrangement of spheres in a given space. Both concepts involve finding the most efficient way to pack spheres together, with lattices being a specific type of arrangement that follows a repeating pattern.
2. How are lattices used in the study of spherical packing?
Lattices are used in the study of spherical packing to understand the relationship between the size and shape of spheres and the available space for packing. By using lattices, scientists can predict the packing density of spheres and analyze the stability of different packing configurations.
3. Can all types of lattices be used for spherical packing?
No, not all types of lattices can be used for spherical packing. Only certain types of lattices, such as the face-centered cubic (FCC) and hexagonal close-packed (HCP) lattices, have the most efficient packing arrangements for spheres. Other types, such as the simple cubic lattice, have lower packing densities.
4. What is the significance of studying the connection between spherical packing and lattices?
Studying the connection between spherical packing and lattices has many practical applications in fields such as materials science, crystallography, and biology. Understanding how spheres pack together can help in the design of new materials, analysis of crystal structures, and studying the organization of biological cells.
5. How does the connection between spherical packing and lattices relate to the concept of close packing?
The concept of close packing is closely related to the connection between spherical packing and lattices. Close packing refers to the most efficient arrangement of spheres in a given space, which is also the arrangement that follows a lattice pattern. Therefore, the connection between these concepts is essential in understanding the structure and behavior of packed spheres.
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