Simple Cubic Unit Cell

The model depicts a basic cell of a cubic system with a primitive arrangement of atoms (ions or molecules). The geometric shape of the base cells falling into the cubic system is the cube. The primitive designation specifies that the location of the atoms (ions or molecules) is only at the top of the cube. The primitive cell is designated P.



Elements that crystallize in a cubic system with a primitive base cell: polonium.



**Basic concepts**:

Solids that have a constant and a regular arrangement of atoms (ions or molecules) form crystals. The structure of a crystal or a crystal structure means the specific distribution of the atoms (ions or molecules) from which the crystal is formed in space. The location of the atoms (ions or molecules) is periodically repeated in the crystal. The smallest basic motif, which is repeated in the crystal periodically, is called the elementary cell and forms a crystal lattice. The crystal lattice is created in such a way that the basic cells periodically repeat in all directions in a parallel position. All crystal lattices can be divided into seven crystalline systems:



- triple (triple),

- monoclinic,

- trigonal,

- hexagonal,

- diamond (orthorhombic),

- square (tetragonal),

- cubic (cubic).