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Crystal lattice explorer

Rotate, zoom and explode ideal unit cells to compare packing and coordination.

SchoolLive

Scientific learning path

  1. 01UnderstandLive
  2. 02ExploreLive
  3. 03ExperimentLive
  4. 04ObserveLive
  5. 05ExplainLive
  6. 06ApplyLive
  7. 07TestLive
Explanation mode
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Description of this simulation

Face-centred cubic: 4 formula units or atoms per conventional cell and coordination number 12.

Quick test · 3 questions
1. Which statement is evidence from this simulation?
2. How should you test the effect of one control?
3. Why read the model notes?
Crystal structure
Face-centred cubic
Atoms per unit cell
4
Coordination number
12
Packing efficiency
74%

What this model shows — and what it simplifies

Educational Model

The view is a rotatable SVG projection of ideal unit-cell sites.

Where do we see this in real life?

Packing and coordination help explain metal density, ionic cleavage, alloy structures and how materials deform.

Explain this result

Scientific review record

Building
Module version
v1 bundled
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Last reviewed
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Academic level
School
Reviewer
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