What Does d Represent in Interatomic Spacing Diagrams?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of the variable "d" in interatomic spacing diagrams, particularly in relation to the distance between atoms and the separation between planes indicated in a figure. The subject area pertains to atomic structure and crystallography.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the meaning of "d" in the context of interatomic separation, questioning whether it represents the distance between adjacent atoms or the distance between parallel lines in the diagram. There are attempts to clarify the relationship between "d" and the variable "L".

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants expressing confusion about the definition of "d" and its relation to "L". Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of the diagram, but multiple interpretations are being explored without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with a figure that includes different cleavage planes and are trying to reconcile the distances represented in the diagram with the variables described in the problem. There is an emphasis on understanding the geometric relationships depicted.

Idan9988
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IMG_20230521_113910.jpg

according to the figure, it's look like d is the distance between the center of two adjacent atoms, and so it should be simply L. I don't understand what d represents in the figure.
that's the solution:
IMG_20230521_113744.jpg

Even if d is half the distance between two adjacent atoms that positioned diagonally (I don't see why), is came out to me completely different expression:
IMG20230521121029.jpg
 
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If the interatomic separation is ##L## (see figure below) what is the separation between the planes indicated by the solid black lines? That is how you identify what you are being asked. Note that the figure shows a different cleavage plane from the one given to you but the idea is the same.

Lattice.png
 
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but if the interatomic separation is L, and what I'm being asked about is the distance between those parallel lines, isn't d should be equal simply to L?
 
IMG_20230521_175234.jpg

according to the answer, d is half the distance between two diagonally positioned atoms, which in the figure is the line segment between one atom to the red arrow. I don't see why this segment is the answer to what I'm being asked about?
 
Idan9988 said:
according to the answer, d is half the distance between two diagonally positioned atoms, which in the figure is the line segment between one atom to the red arrow. I don't see why this segment is the answer to what I'm being asked about?
Atomic plane fracture.jpg
 
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Idan9988 said:
but if the interatomic separation is L, and what I'm being asked about is the distance between those parallel lines, isn't d should be equal simply to L?
Draw a line that is perpendicular to the two parallel lines. The distance ##d## between them is the segment of the perpendicular contained between the two.
 
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