Atomic distance

The atomic distance is the rest distance between two neighboring atoms in a molecule or a crystal . In the case of a liquid or an amorphous solid , this describes the distance between two closest neighboring atoms.

The distance between two atoms is in the order of 10 ⁻¹⁰ m. Ångström is therefore usually used as the unit : 1 Å: = 10 ⁻¹⁰  m = 0.1  nm .

Unit cell of a face-centered cubic lattice. The atomic distance between the nearest neighbors is . ${\displaystyle {\frac {1}{2}}a{\sqrt {2}}}$

One way of determining the atomic distance is X-ray diffraction . In X-ray diffraction, intensity maxima occur for all lattice plane spacings, the largest diffraction angle corresponds to the closest neighbor spacing. Other distances, such as B. the lattice constant of composite lattices can be calculated based on geometric considerations.

See also

• Covalent bond
• Atomic position
• Invar (small change in atomic distance)

Web links

• Physical material properties (detailed lecture notes TU Dresden)