crystal lattice
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A three-dimensional geometric arrangement of atoms, molecules, or ions composing a crystal: A crystal lattice is the highly ordered, repeating structural framework that defines the shape and properties of a crystalline solid.
Usage
- The term "crystal lattice" is used in physics, chemistry, and materials science to describe the fundamental architecture of crystalline materials.
- It is a countable noun (e.g., "a crystal lattice," "different crystal lattices").
Examples
- Noun:
- The diamond's exceptional hardness is a direct result of its strong, tetrahedral crystal lattice.
- Scientists used X-ray diffraction to determine the exact crystal lattice of the new semiconductor material.
- Defects in the crystal lattice can significantly alter a material's electrical conductivity.
Advanced Usage
- "Lattice constant" or "lattice parameter": A specific measurement describing the physical dimensions of a unit cell within the crystal lattice.
- The research paper detailed the precise lattice constants for the compound.
- "Lattice structure": Often used synonymously with "crystal lattice" to emphasize the arrangement.
- The mineral's unique lattice structure gives it its characteristic cleavage.
Variants and Related Words
- Lattice (n): The regular, repeating arrangement of points in space. "Crystal lattice" is a specific type of lattice.
- The atoms sit at specific points on the lattice.
- Unit cell (n): The smallest repeating unit that, when stacked in three dimensions, generates the entire crystal lattice.
- The unit cell of this crystal is cubic.
- Bravais lattice (n): One of the 14 possible distinct lattice types in three-dimensional crystallography.
- The crystal belongs to the face-centered cubic Bravais lattice.
Synonyms
- Space lattice: A synonym emphasizing the three-dimensional spatial arrangement.
- Crystal structure: While very closely related, this term can sometimes encompass not just the lattice points but also the basis (the atoms/molecules associated with each point).
Related Phrases and Concepts
- Lattice vibration: The oscillation of atoms around their fixed positions within the crystal lattice.
- Heat is conducted through the material via lattice vibrations.
- Lattice defect: An imperfection in the periodic structure of the lattice, such as a vacancy or dislocation.
- Introducing specific lattice defects can improve the metal's strength.
Noun
- a 3-dimensional geometric arrangement of the atoms or molecules or ions composing a crystal