What does total number of atomic sites mean ?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter potatowhisperer
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Atomic Mean
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The total number of atomic sites, denoted as N, refers specifically to the number of lattice sites available for atoms in a crystal structure, not including vacancies. In the context of analyzing defects, vacancies are counted separately, and N represents potential defect sites where atoms can be placed. The fraction of vacancies is calculated as N(D)/N, where N(D) is the number of vacancies. Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurate calculations in materials science.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of crystal structures and lattice sites
  • Familiarity with the concept of vacancies in materials science
  • Knowledge of density and its relation to atomic sites
  • Experience with defect analysis in crystalline materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of lattice sites in crystal structures
  • Study the role of vacancies in materials science
  • Learn about calculating defect concentrations in crystals
  • Explore the implications of atomic density on material properties
USEFUL FOR

Materials scientists, crystallographers, and researchers analyzing defects in crystalline structures will benefit from this discussion.

potatowhisperer
Messages
31
Reaction score
1
i know this might seem as a very simple question , but i am confused :
in order to calculate the total number of vacancies we need the total number of atomic sites N , and since N depends on the density of the material , then N refers to the number of atoms , right ? what confuses me is the word site , because it implies :(the total number of atoms + number of vacancies) .
so my question is : does the total number of sites include vacancies ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
potatowhisperer said:
i know this might seem as a very simple question , but i am confused :
in order to calculate the total number of vacancies we need the total number of atomic sites N , and since N depends on the density of the material , then N refers to the number of atoms , right ? what confuses me is the word site , because it implies :(the total number of atoms + number of vacancies) .
so my question is : does the total number of sites include vacancies ?

pl. give the context in which you are looking at the vacancies.

If you are analysing defects in crystal's structure - vacancies are separately counted - and N represents the total no. of sites where defects can have potential role and its counted as number of lattice sites where atom can be placed - its the fraction N(D)/N which is measured.
N is also named as Potential defect sites. so if you take the total no. of lattice sites it serves the purpose.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: potatowhisperer
Thank you so much , I reread your replie so many times and you explained it so clearly , thank you .
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Less binding energy, increased atom energy?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Confusion on sign convention in X-ray problems
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
513
The number of ways of placing M atoms on the interstices of a lattice
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Graduate Math for identifying bosonic atoms
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Band theory and qualitative character of bands
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad Atoms in a harmonic oscillator and number states
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
High School Binding energy of the electron in Hydrogen atom.
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
10K
Help calculating equilibrium number of vacancies
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
14K
Undergrad Bohr's atomic model and Bohr and Rydberg equations
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Undergrad What Determines the Use of Normal vs Angular Frequency in Quantum Transitions?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K