Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A simple cubic structure is a type of crystal lattice where atoms are arranged at each corner of a cube. It is one of the simplest and least dense packing arrangements in crystalline solids.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
In a simple cubic structure, each atom has a coordination number of 6.
The atomic packing factor (APF) for a simple cubic structure is approximately 0.52, indicating lower density.
It has one atom per unit cell, as each corner atom is shared among eight neighboring unit cells.
Polonium is one of the few elements that crystallize in a simple cubic structure.
The edge length $a$ of the unit cell can be related to the atomic radius $r$ by the formula $a = 2r$.
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Related terms
Body-Centered Cubic (BCC): A crystal lattice where each unit cell has an atom at each corner and one atom at the center of the cube.
Face-Centered Cubic (FCC): A crystal lattice where each unit cell has an atom at each corner and one atom at the center of each face of the cube.
Atomic Packing Factor (APF): The fraction of volume occupied by atoms in a given crystal structure.