Provide an example of the face-centered cubic and body-centered cubic crystal structure of transition metals.

Transition metals can adopt either a face-centered cubic or body-centered cubic crystal structure.

The face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure is commonly found in transition metals such as copper, silver, and gold. In this structure, the atoms are arranged in a cubic lattice with an atom at each corner and one in the center of each face. This results in a close-packed arrangement of atoms with a coordination number of 12. The FCC structure is known for its high ductility and excellent electrical conductivity.

On the other hand, the body-centered cubic (BCC) crystal structure is found in transition metals such as iron, tungsten, and chromium. In this structure, the atoms are arranged in a cubic lattice with an atom at each corner and one in the center of the cube. This results in a less dense arrangement of atoms with a coordination number of 8. The BCC structure is known for its high strength and toughness.

Both crystal structures have unique properties that make them useful in various applications. For example, the FCC structure is commonly used in electrical wiring and jewelry due to its excellent conductivity and ductility, while the BCC structure is used in structural materials such as steel due to its high strength and toughness. Understanding the crystal structure of transition metals is important in understanding their properties and potential applications.