Why does a pure metal not crystallize in a fluorite or antifluorite unit cell?
A)They can and do.
B)These unit cells require two types of atoms or ions with differing radii.
C)Pure metals do not crystallize; they are amorphous.
D)The atoms in pure metals move about in a sea of electrons.
E)The radius of the metal is too large.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fluorite and antifluorite unit cells require two types of atoms or ions with differing radii, which allows for the necessary packing arrangements. Pure metals consist of only one type of atom and therefore cannot crystallize in these unit cells.

Why Does a Pure Metal Not Crystallize in a Fluorite