Interatomic spacing concept confusion

In summary, the concept of interatomic spacing refers to the distance between atoms in a crystal lattice. While the first picture may give the impression that atoms are packed together, the second and third pictures show that there is actually space between the atoms. This is due to the fact that atoms interact through the charge of their electron shells, and their spacing is influenced by this interaction. The representation of atoms in a diagram is a matter of preference and clarity, and the atomic radius is calculated by dividing the distance between neighboring atoms in half. This implies that atoms are not actually touching each other, but rather interacting through attractive and repulsive forces.
  • #1
engineering810
7
0
I am trying to understand the concept of interatomic spacing. Below is a link to three pictures, and my questions is: why are they different? I thought atoms were packed together touching each other like in the first picture but the second and third imply otherwise. Any explanation or help is appreciated as I have been trying to find the answer for hours on end now. Thank you for any help in advance!

http://s1300.photobucket.com/user/waveriderr810/library/
 
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  • #2
engineering810 said:
but the second and third imply otherwise
How so?
 
  • #3
Bystander said:
How so?

In the second and third pictures the atoms appear to be spaced out and have space in between them, which represents their interatomic distance. Aren't atoms all packed together therefore there would be no spacing between them?
 
  • #4
Atoms are not hard billiard balls. They interact via the charge from the electron shell. This charge drops off with distance.
When diagramming an atom, it is arbitrary how large you make the sphere, since it has no real-world counterpart.
How one represents atoms in a diagram is a matter of taste and of clarity.
 
  • #5
DaveC426913 said:
Atoms are not hard billiard balls. They interact via the charge from the electron shell. This charge drops off with distance.
When diagramming an atom, it is arbitrary how large you make the sphere, since it has no real-world counterpart.
How one represents atoms in a diagram is a matter of taste and of clarity.

Thank you for responding, this actually makes sense to me but my teacher has us calculating the density in unit cells depending on how much space the atom is occupying and how much space is vacant. Wouldn't this imply they are spheres packed together also touching each other? Maybe the atomic radius implys something else I'm not understanding?
 
  • #6
Atomic radius is calculated by diving the distance between centers of neighboring atoms into two. As Dave wrote atoms don't have a well defined surface, so they don't "touch" each other like balls do. However, atoms do interact - if you squeeze them too closely they will repel each other, if you separate them, they will have tendency to attract each other. These forces keep atoms spaced in the crystal lattice despite the fact they don't "touch".
 

FAQ: Interatomic spacing concept confusion

What is interatomic spacing?

Interatomic spacing refers to the distance between two neighboring atoms in a solid material. It is a fundamental concept in materials science and plays a crucial role in determining the properties of a material.

How is interatomic spacing measured?

Interatomic spacing is typically measured using techniques such as X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, or atomic force microscopy. These methods use the principles of diffraction, scattering, or probing to determine the distance between atoms in a material.

What factors affect interatomic spacing?

The interatomic spacing in a material is influenced by various factors, including the type of atoms present, their arrangement in the material, and the temperature and pressure conditions. Other factors such as impurities, defects, and external forces can also affect interatomic spacing.

How does interatomic spacing affect the properties of a material?

The interatomic spacing has a significant impact on the physical, chemical, electrical, and mechanical properties of a material. A smaller interatomic spacing can result in a denser material with stronger bonds, while a larger spacing can lead to a weaker material with more voids and defects.

What is the relationship between interatomic spacing and intermolecular forces?

Interatomic spacing is closely related to intermolecular forces, which are the attractive or repulsive forces between molecules. The strength of these forces can affect the interatomic spacing, as they can either pull atoms closer together or push them further apart depending on their magnitude and direction.

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