Difference between bond length and lattice constant

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SUMMARY

The bond length and lattice constant are distinct concepts in crystallography, particularly in cubic crystal systems. The lattice constant refers to the side length of the unit cell, while the bond length is the distance between neighboring atoms along the closest packing direction. In face-centered cubic (fcc) crystals, the closest packing occurs along the [110] direction, whereas in body-centered cubic (bcc) crystals, it occurs along the [111] direction.

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  • Familiarity with face-centered cubic (fcc) and body-centered cubic (bcc) structures
  • Basic concepts of atomic bonding
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Can anyone explain to me the difference between the bond length and the lattice constant? I'm thinking specifically about cubic crystal systems. Thanks.

-Alan
 
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The lattice constant is the side length of the cube. But the bond length corresponds to the distance between neighbor atoms along the axis of closest packing, which isn't always the side length. In fcc crystals, the closest packing is in the [110] direction; in bcc, the [111] direction.
 

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