Question

A solid metal oxide crystallizes in a cubic unit cell. In the unit cell there are metal (M) ions on every corner and in the center of every face. Oxide ions (O) are found in half of the tetrahedral holes. What is the empirical formula of this metal oxide?

Answer 1

Answer:

The empirical formula of the solid metal oxide is : $MO$

Explanation:

M atom is present in the every corner and in the center of every face.

Number of m atoms :

$\frac{1}{8}\times 8+\frac{1}{2}\times 6=4$

Number of tetrahedral voids in F.C.C = 2n = 2 × 4 = 8

Oxide ion is present in the half of the tetrahedral void

Number oxide ions = $\frac{8}{2}=4$

The molecular formula of the solid metal oxide is : $M_4O_4=MO$

The empirical formula represent the lowest number of atoms present in a compound.

The empirical formula of the solid metal oxide is : $MO$