What is the density of a unit cell of NaCl crystal?

In summary, To calculate the density of NaCl crystal, use Avogadro's number to convert the mass of a unit cell (4 Na+ atoms and 4Cl- atoms) to grams, then divide by the volume of the unit cell (a cube with length 'a') converted to cubic centimeters.
  • #1
Larrytsai
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Knowing the atomic weights of Na+ and Cl- are 23 and 35.5, respectively, calculate the density (g/cm^3) of NaCl crystal. Hint: Avogadro’s number N = 6.02 x 10^23 is the number of atoms in one mole (weight of 1 mole = atomic weight in grams)

unit cell is Face centered
unit cell contains a total of 4 Na+ atoms and 4Cl- atoms
unit cell is a cube with length 'a'.

so far I have found the mass of the total unit cell to be

m = 4( 23 + 35.5) = 234g/mol

and now I am trying to find volume per mol but I'm not sure if I am doing this right...

I found volume by cubing length 'a' because its a cube. I was wondering if I could avagadros number by the volume and then multiply that with 234g/mol to find the density
 
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  • #2
A mass in atomic mass units divided by Avagadros number results in mass in grams.

Assuming you want the density in grams per cubic centimeter, you may divide the mass of a unit cell converted to grams by the volume of a unit cell to converted to cubic centimeters.
 

What is a unit cell?

A unit cell is the smallest repeating unit in a crystal lattice, which contains a group of atoms or molecules arranged in a specific pattern.

What is the density of a unit cell?

The density of a unit cell is the mass of the unit cell divided by its volume. It is a measure of how tightly packed the atoms or molecules are within the unit cell.

How do you calculate the density of a unit cell?

The density of a unit cell can be calculated by dividing the mass of the unit cell by its volume. The mass can be determined by multiplying the atomic or molecular weight by the number of atoms or molecules in the unit cell. The volume can be calculated by multiplying the lengths of the sides of the unit cell.

How does the density of a unit cell affect the properties of a material?

The density of a unit cell is directly related to the overall density of a material. A higher density unit cell will result in a denser material, which can affect properties such as strength, conductivity, and melting point.

How can the density of a unit cell be altered?

The density of a unit cell can be altered by changing the atomic or molecular weight, the number of atoms or molecules in the unit cell, or the lengths of the sides of the unit cell. This can be achieved through various methods such as doping, alloying, or applying external pressure.

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