Question

A compound formed by elements X and Y crystallizes in the cubic structure where Y atoms are at the corners of the cube and X atoms are at the alteranate faces. What is the formula of the compound?

Answer 1

Answer:

Atoms of Y occupy the corners of the cube.

=> Number of Y atoms in a unit cell = 8 x 1/8 = 1

The atom of X occupies the body centre.

=> Number of Y atoms in a unit cell = 1

Therefore, the ratio of the number of X atoms to the number of Y atoms;

X : Y = 1 : 1