A ball-and-stick model displays a cubic lattice built from large copper-colored spheres

CHEMISTRY · Single correct · AP · Chemistry · Compound Structure and Properties · Compound Structure and Properties

Problem

A ball-and-stick model displays a cubic lattice built from large copper-colored spheres. Much smaller carbon-colored spheres are located at the centers of several cubic voids in the lattice. Which statement best explains why the solid should NOT be classified as a substitutional alloy? (a) Because carbon is a nonmetal, substitution cannot occur in a metallic lattice. (b) Substitutional alloys require elements with nearly identical electronegativities; the large difference between the two elements precludes substitution. (c) The atomic radii of the two elements differ too greatly for one to replace the other at lattice positions. (d) A body-centered cubic lattice, such as the one shown, by definition cannot form substitutional alloys.

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