View source for Physics:Quantum materials/crystal lattice

{{Short description|Regular arrangement of atoms in a solid}}


{{Quantum matter backlink|Materials}}
[[Book:Quantum Collection/Matter (by scale)|← Back to Matter by scale]]

A '''crystal lattice''' is a regular, repeating arrangement of [[Physics:Quantum atoms/atom|atoms]] or molecules in a solid. It defines the structure of many materials.

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[[File:Crystal_lattice.png|300px]]
<div style="font-size:90%;">A crystal lattice is a periodic structure that repeats in space.</div>
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== Description ==
In a solid, atoms are arranged in a repeating pattern that extends throughout the material. This periodic structure determines many physical properties, including how [[Physics:Quantum atoms/electron|electrons]] move through the material.

Crystal lattices provide the framework for phenomena such as [[Physics:Quantum materials/band structure|band structure]] and collective excitations like [[Physics:Quantum materials/phonon|phonons]].

== Properties ==

* periodic structure
* determines material properties
* forms the basis of solid-state systems

=See also=
{{#invoke:PhysicsQC|tocHeadingAndList|Physics:Quantum basics/See also/Matter}}

=References=
{{reflist|3}}

{{Author|Harold Foppele}}
{{Sourceattribution|Physics:Quantum materials/crystal lattice|1}}