(b) What is the coordination number of each cannonball in the interior of the stack?

Key Concepts

Coordination Number

The coordination number refers to the number of nearest neighbor atoms or ions surrounding a central atom in a crystal structure. In the context of a simple cubic arrangement, each atom is surrounded by a specific number of adjacent atoms, which determines its coordination number. For example, in a simple cubic structure, the coordination number is typically 6, as each atom is in contact with six others.

Simple Cubic Structure

A simple cubic structure is a type of crystal lattice where atoms are arranged at the corners of a cube. Each corner atom is shared among eight adjacent cubes, leading to a specific packing arrangement. This structure is characterized by a low packing efficiency and is one of the simplest forms of crystal lattices, making it essential for understanding coordination numbers in solid-state chemistry.

Atomic Packing

Atomic packing refers to how closely atoms are packed together in a solid. The arrangement affects the material's properties, such as density and stability. In a simple cubic structure, the packing efficiency is relatively low compared to other structures like face-centered cubic or body-centered cubic, which have higher coordination numbers and more efficient packing arrangements.