Skip to main content
Ch.12 - Solids and Modern Materials
Chapter 12, Problem 61c

A particular form of cinnabar (HgS) adopts the zinc blende structure. The length of the unit cell edge is 5.852 Å. (c) Which of the two substances has the higher density? How do you account for the difference in densities?

Verified Solution

Video duration:
4m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Density

Density is defined as mass per unit volume, typically expressed in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). It is a crucial property that helps compare the compactness of different substances. In this context, density can be calculated using the formula: density = mass/volume, where the mass is derived from the molar mass of the substance and the volume is determined by the unit cell dimensions.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:56
Density Concepts

Unit Cell and Crystal Structure

A unit cell is the smallest repeating unit in a crystal lattice that reflects the overall symmetry and structure of the crystal. The zinc blende structure, for example, is a face-centered cubic arrangement where each atom is surrounded by four others in a tetrahedral configuration. Understanding the unit cell dimensions, such as the edge length, is essential for calculating the volume of the unit cell, which is necessary for density calculations.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:27
Simple Cubic Unit Cell

Molar Mass

Molar mass is the mass of one mole of a substance, typically expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). It is a critical factor in determining the mass of the unit cell when calculating density. For the substances in question, knowing the molar masses of cinnabar (HgS) and the other substance allows for a direct comparison of their densities, as the substance with the higher molar mass will generally have a higher density if the volume is similar.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:11
Molar Mass Concept
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Tausonite, a mineral composed of Sr, O, and Ti, has the cubic unit cell shown in the drawing. (a) What is the empirical formula of this mineral?

755
views
Textbook Question
The unit cell of a compound containing Co and O has a unit cell shown below. The Co atoms are on the corners, and the O atoms are completely within the unit cell. What is the empirical formula of this compound? What is the oxidation state of the metal?

668
views
Textbook Question

A particular form of cinnabar (HgS) adopts the zinc blende structure. The length of the unit cell edge is 5.852 Å. (b) The mineral tiemannite (HgSe) also forms a solid phase with the zinc blende structure. The length of the unit cell edge in this mineral is 6.085 Å. What accounts for the larger unit cell length in tiemmanite?

559
views
Textbook Question

CuI, CsI, and NaI each adopt a different type of structure. The three different structures are those shown in Figure 12.26. (a) Use ionic radii, Cs+ 1r = 1.81 A 2, Na+ 1r = 1.16 A 2, Cu+ 1r = 0.74 A 2, and, I- 1r = 2.06 A 2, to predict which compound will crystallize with which structure.

1211
views
Textbook Question

The coordination number for the Al3+ ion is typically between four and six. Use the anion coordination number to determine the Al3 + coordination number in the following compounds: (a) AlF3 where the fluoride ions are two coordinate.

1147
views
1
rank
Textbook Question

The coordination number for the Al3+ ion is typically between four and six. Use the anion coordination number to determine the Al3 + coordination number in the following compounds: (b) Al2O3 where the oxygen ions are six coordinate.

539
views