To understand the concepts of crystal structure, atomic packing, and Miller Indices as well as their applications in materials properties and development. Differences and similarities between crystal structures of metals, ceramics, and polymers will be studied.
The objective of this experiment also includes knowing the lab partners as the team will be working together for the remainder of the semester. Crystallography kits are available in the laboratory. These kits consist of various Styrofoam balls that will be used to construct the crystalline structures.
For each atomic structure, you should:
- Identify and draw the repeating pattern of planes identify and draw the unit cell in your lab notebook.
- Identify the number of atoms per unit cell and record this in your notebook.
- Identify and draw distinguishing characteristics of the unit cell in your notebook.
- Identify the crystal structures of ceramics and polymers.
- Identify the differences between the crystal structures of metals, ceramics and polymers.
- Identify the close-packed planes in each of the crystal structures studied in the experiment.
Post-Activity Questions
1. What does it mean when a crystal plane is noted like this: (100)?
2. Name all of the faces of the "unit cell" using the Miller Index notations.
3. Draw a unit cell and show the (011) plane relative the x-y-z axes.
4. Draw the (101) plane relative the x-y-z axes.
5. Using Miller indices, name the following crystal plane, relative to the unit cell.