1 Answer
The Schottky defect occurs in ionic crystals when an equal number of cations and anions are missing from their regular lattice positions, creating vacancies.
The two main consequences of the Schottky defect are:
1. **Reduction in Density**: Since atoms (both cations and anions) are missing from the crystal lattice, the overall mass of the crystal decreases. As a result, the density of the crystal becomes lower than that of a perfect crystal without defects.
2. **Electrical Neutrality**: Despite the missing ions, the crystal remains electrically neutral. The loss of cations is balanced by the loss of anions. This ensures that the material does not develop any net charge.
These defects usually occur in ionic crystals with a high coordination number and similar sizes for cations and anions.
The two main consequences of the Schottky defect are:
1. **Reduction in Density**: Since atoms (both cations and anions) are missing from the crystal lattice, the overall mass of the crystal decreases. As a result, the density of the crystal becomes lower than that of a perfect crystal without defects.
2. **Electrical Neutrality**: Despite the missing ions, the crystal remains electrically neutral. The loss of cations is balanced by the loss of anions. This ensures that the material does not develop any net charge.
These defects usually occur in ionic crystals with a high coordination number and similar sizes for cations and anions.