1. What is a Cubic Cell?

A cubic cell is the simplest repeating unit in a crystal structure that shows the full symmetry of the crystal. There are three main types: simple cubic, body-centered cubic (BCC), and face-centered cubic (FCC).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard cubic cell formulas:

Explanation:

• Simple cubic: 1 atom at each corner (1/8 of each atom belongs to the unit cell)
• BCC: 1 atom at each corner plus 1 atom at the center
• FCC: 1 atom at each corner plus 1 atom at the center of each face

3. Importance of Unit Cell Calculation

Details: Knowing the number of atoms per unit cell is essential for calculating density, packing efficiency, and other material properties in crystallography.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply select the type of cubic cell from the dropdown menu and click "Calculate" to see the number of atoms per unit cell.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between these cubic structures?
A: They differ in their atomic packing arrangements and coordination numbers, which affect their physical properties.

Q2: What's the packing efficiency of each type?
A: Simple cubic: 52%, BCC: 68%, FCC: 74% (most efficient of the three).

Q3: What are some examples of each type?
A: Simple cubic: Polonium, BCC: Iron (at room temp), FCC: Aluminum, Copper, Gold.

Q4: How does this relate to material properties?
A: FCC metals are typically more ductile than BCC metals due to different slip systems.

Q5: Can other crystal systems be calculated this way?
A: No, this calculator is specific to cubic systems. Other systems (hexagonal, tetragonal, etc.) have different geometries.