- #1
asdf1
- 734
- 0
what's the difference between those two?
What does your textbook or class notes say ?asdf1 said:what's the difference between those two?
Yes, it is the smallest "representative" part.asdf1 said:so does that mean that the unit cell is part of the lattice?
A crystal lattice is a three-dimensional arrangement of atoms or molecules in a repeating pattern. It is the basic structural unit of a crystal and determines its physical properties.
A unit cell is the smallest repeating unit within a crystal lattice, which when repeated in all directions, forms the entire crystal lattice. It is used to describe the overall structure of a crystal.
The unit cell of a crystal can be determined using techniques such as X-ray crystallography or neutron diffraction. These methods involve analyzing the diffraction patterns produced by a crystal to determine its internal structure and unit cell dimensions.
The crystal lattice and unit cell play a crucial role in material science as they determine the physical and chemical properties of a material. The arrangement of atoms within a crystal lattice affects properties such as strength, conductivity, and optical properties, making it essential in understanding and designing new materials.
The unit cell of a crystal cannot be changed as it is a fundamental property of the crystal. However, some materials may exhibit polymorphism, where they can form different crystal structures with different unit cells under varying conditions.