What is a crystal lattice?

What is a crystal lattice?

• A. A random arrangement of atoms in a liquid.
• B. The surface boundary between a solid and its surroundings.
• C. A regular, repeating arrangement of atoms in a solid that gives it shape and structure.
• D. A type of chemical bond in molecules.

Answer: (C)

A crystal lattice is a regular, repeating arrangement of atoms in a solid that gives it shape and structure. In a crystal lattice, atoms occupy specific positions and the pattern repeats in all directions, building a three-dimensional framework that produces the crystal’s flat faces and well-defined angles. This orderly arrangement also influences properties like hardness and melting point. The other ideas don’t fit: a random arrangement of atoms in a liquid describes a liquid, not a solid lattice; the surface boundary is just the interface between solid and surroundings; and a chemical bond is about how atoms connect, not the overall repeating pattern inside the solid.

A crystal lattice is a regular, repeating arrangement of atoms in a solid that gives it shape and structure. In a crystal lattice, atoms occupy specific positions and the pattern repeats in all directions, building a three-dimensional framework that produces the crystal’s flat faces and well-defined angles. This orderly arrangement also influences properties like hardness and melting point. The other ideas don’t fit: a random arrangement of atoms in a liquid describes a liquid, not a solid lattice; the surface boundary is just the interface between solid and surroundings; and a chemical bond is about how atoms connect, not the overall repeating pattern inside the solid.