1. Compute the minimum cation-to-anion radius ratio for a coordination number of 6.

Solution
This problem asks us to show that the minimum cation-to-anion radius ratio for a coordination number of 6
is 0.414 (using the rock salt crystal structure). Below is shown one of the faces of the rock salt crystal structure in
which anions and cations just touch along the edges, and also the face diagonals.

From triangle FGH,

GF = 2rA
and

Since FGH is a right triangle

FH = GH = rA + rC

(GH)2 + (FH)2 = (FG)2

or

which leads to

(rA + rC )2 + (rA + rC )2 = (2rA )2

rA + rC =

Or, solving for rC/rA

2 rA
2

1 0.414
2

rA
rC

2. Calculate the atomic packing factor for the NaCl crystal structure in which cation-anion radius
ratio is 0.414.
Solution
This problem asks that we compute the atomic packing factor for the rock salt crystal structure when rC/rA
= 0.414. From Equation 3.2

APF =

VS
VC

With regard to the sphere volume, VS, there are four cation and four anion spheres per unit cell. Thus,

VS = (4) rA3 + (4) rC3

3

But, since rC/rA = 0.414

VS =

16 3
r 1 (0.414) 3 = (17.94) rA3
3 A

Now, for rC/rA = 0.414 the corner anions in Table 12.2 just touch one another along the cubic unit cell edges such

that

VC = a3 = 2 (rA rC )

2 (rA 0.414rA ) (22.62)rA3

3

Thus

APF =

VS
VC

(17.94) rA3
(22.62) rA3

= 0.79

3. Magnesium oxide has the rock salt crystal structure. Calculate the theoretical density.
Solution
We are asked to calculate the theoretical density of MgO. This density may be computed using Equation
(12.1) as

nAMg + AO
VC N A

Since the crystal structure is rock salt, n' = 4 formula units per unit cell. Using the ionic radii for Mg 2+ and O2- from
Table 12.3, the unit cell volume is computed as follows:

VC a 3 2rMg 2+ + 2rO2-

= 0.0762

2(0.072 nm) 2(0.140 nm)

3

nm 3
cm 3
= 7.62 10 -23
unit cell
unit cell

Thus,

(4 formula units/unit cell)(24.3 1 g/mol + 16.00 g/mol)

7.62 10 -23 cm 3 /unit cell 6.022 10 23 formula units/mol

= 3.51 g/cm3

4. A circular specimen of MgO is loaded using a three-point bending test. If the specimen radius
is 3.5 mm, the support point separation distance is 45 mm, and flexural strength of 105 MPa,
predict whether or not you would expect the specimen to fracture when a load of 580 N is
applied. Justify your prediction.
Solution
(a) This portion of the problem asks that we determine whether or not a cylindrical specimen of MgO
having a flexural strength of 105 MPa and a radius of 3.5 mm will fracture when subjected to a load of 580 N in a
three-point bending test; the support point separation is given as 45 mm. Using Equation 12.7b we will calculate
the value of ; if this value is greater than fs (105 MPa), then fracture is expected to occur. Employment of
Equation 12.7b yields

FL
R 3

(580 N )(45 103 m)

=
= 194 106 N/m2 =194 MPa
3
3
()(3.510 m)
Since this value is greater than the given value of fs (105 MPa), then fracture is predicted.