Interatomic spacing of iron atoms

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the interatomic spacing of iron atoms based on a hollow spherical shell made from 3.2 kg of iron, with inner and outer radii of 3 cm and 5 cm, respectively. The estimated density of iron is incorrectly calculated as 6.585 g/cm³. To determine the interatomic spacing, one must use the correct density, atomic mass of iron (55.9 u), and the properties of the crystal lattice, specifically the body-centered cubic (BCC) structure prevalent in pure iron at room temperature.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of density calculations and formulas
  • Familiarity with atomic mass units (u)
  • Knowledge of crystal lattice structures, particularly body-centered cubic (BCC) and face-centered cubic (FCC)
  • Basic principles of solid-state physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the calculation of density using mass and volume formulas
  • Learn about the properties and calculations related to body-centered cubic (BCC) and face-centered cubic (FCC) lattices
  • Study the relationship between atomic mass and interatomic spacing in crystalline solids
  • Explore the implications of ferromagnetism in iron and its crystal structure
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physicists, materials scientists, and engineering students focusing on solid-state physics, crystallography, and the properties of metals, particularly iron.

sailormoon
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3.2kg of iron is required to make a hollow spherical shell having inner radius (r=3cm).outer radius(r=5cm).

i)estimate density of iron. (ans :6.585g/cm^3) -not sure if its correct though
ii) using (i),est interatomic spacing of the iron atoms. the atomic mass of iron is 55.9u.

need help in (ii).is there like a formula for it?
 
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sailormoon said:
3.2kg of iron is required to make a hollow spherical shell having inner radius (r=3cm).outer radius(r=5cm).

i)estimate density of iron. (ans :6.585g/cm^3) -not sure if its correct though
ii) using (i),est interatomic spacing of the iron atoms. the atomic mass of iron is 55.9u.

need help in (ii).is there like a formula for it?

Just report the avg. distance between the atomic centers ... in other words, assume atoms are point particles ... you should be able to answer the question using the appropriate manipulation of the quantities you have (i.e. density, mass, volume and atomic mass of iron).
 
Your calculation of density is false - and not plausible, by the way.

You lack a data to be able to evaluate the interatomic distance : the crystallograpic cell and the motive in the cell.
The most simple lattice for the calculation is the face-centered cubic, but it rarely occurs in steels at room temperature, only in nickel alloys and manganese alloys (The Hadfield steel for instance). In a cfc an iron atom has 12 close neighbours. There are 4 atoms in the cubic cell.

All the other steels and pure iron are centered cubic at room temperature, with 8 + 6 neighbours. And they are ferromagnetic.
You easily find the parameter of the cc cell in the litterature, and on the net. There are 2 atoms in the cubic cell.
 
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