12-8

12.7 This problem asks that we compute the atomic packing factor for the rock salt crystal structure when rC/rA = 0.414. From Equation 3.2
VS VC

APF =

With regard to the sphere volume, VS, there are four cation and four anion spheres per unit cell. Thus,
4 3 4 3 VS = (4) rA + (4) rC 3 3

But, since rC/rA = 0.414

VS = 16 3 3 r 1 + (0.414 ) 3 = (17.94) rA 3 A

Now, for rC/rA = 0.414 the corner anions in Table 12.2 just touch one another along the cubic unit cell edges such that
2 VC = a 3 = [ (rA + rC )]
3 3

3 = [ (rA + 0.414 rA )] = (22.62) rA 2

Thus
VS VC
3 (17.94) rA

APF =

3 (22.62) rA

= 0.79

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