CUBIC CLOSE PACKED Meaning and
Definition
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Cubic close packed (CCP) refers to a crystal lattice arrangement of atoms, ions, or spheres where the constituent particles are densely packed in a regular, repeating pattern in three dimensions. The term "cubic" indicates that the lattice structure is arranged in a cube-like shape, while "close packed" refers to the high level of packing efficiency.
In a cubic close packed structure, each sphere is surrounded by twelve nearest neighboring spheres. The spheres in each horizontal layer are positioned above the gaps of the previous layer, ensuring maximum packing efficiency. This arrangement can be visualized as a series of stacked layers, with each layer forming a two-dimensional hexagonal lattice, and the subsequent layers positioned directly above the gaps of the previous layer.
The coordination number, which represents the number of nearest neighboring particles, in cubic close packed structures is typically twelve. Consequently, this arrangement provides excellent stability due to the closely-bonded nature of the constituent particles.
Cubic close packing is commonly observed in metallic elements, such as copper and aluminum, and is also prevalent in certain ionic compounds. It is an essential and fundamental crystal lattice structure that is often studied in materials science and solid-state physics due to its compactness and stability.
