What Does d Represent in Interatomic Spacing Diagrams?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that in interatomic spacing diagrams, the variable d represents half the distance between two diagonally positioned atoms, while L denotes the interatomic separation. The confusion arises from the relationship between d and the distance between parallel lines in the diagram. It is established that d is not equal to L, but rather the segment of the perpendicular line contained between the two parallel lines indicated in the figure.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of interatomic spacing concepts
  • Familiarity with atomic structure and diagrams
  • Knowledge of geometric relationships in two-dimensional representations
  • Basic comprehension of cleavage planes in materials science
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of interatomic spacing in crystal structures
  • Explore geometric interpretations of atomic arrangements
  • Learn about cleavage planes and their significance in materials science
  • Study the mathematical relationships between distances in atomic diagrams
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in materials science, physicists, and anyone studying atomic structures and their geometric representations will benefit from this discussion.

Idan9988
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
Homework Statement
.
Relevant Equations
.
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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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
 
Last edited:
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
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: SammyS, TSny and Idan9988
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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Idan9988

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
9K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
826
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K