Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-materials-science-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2019/paper-1/1/d/solution

Taking Cu K wavelength , Bragg's law gives . For cubic , and the nearest Zn–S separation is . For ideal wurtzite structure, and the nearest separation is . Therefore
Both have tetrahedral nearest-neighbour coordination number four, but different further-neighbour stacking and lattice relaxation can shift their equilibrium bond lengths. The hexagonal value assumes ideal and ; a real distorted wurtzite structure can have unequal axial and inclined bonds. One measured spacing alone does not determine every bond length without that structural assumption.

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