Use the data in Example 11.8 to calculate the atomic radius (in pm) of the molybdenum atom. In a body-centered cubic structure, the atoms along the cube diagonal are in contact, and the length of the cube diagonal is

Example 11.8

Molybdenum crystallizes in a body-centered cubic array of atoms. The edge of the unit cell is 0.314 nm long. Calculate the density of this metal.
Strategy

First, determine the net number of atoms per unit cell; then determine the mass using the atomic mass of molybdenum. Divide this mass by the volume of the cubic unit cell, knowing its edge length. Convert the units as necessary to obtain a proper unit for density.