What are unit cells, and how do you determine the number of atoms in one of them? I've read several websites to try to figure out what exactly a unit cell is, but I can't seem to understand it. Could someone explain what a unit cell is, and the different types? Thanks!
The unit cell is the most primitive 3D structure that contains the arrangement of atoms which form the crystal of a compound. The unit cell is probably most meaningful in the study of minerals, so it is more of an inorganic analytical technique rather than an organic analytical technique. There are 7 3D crystal lattice systems which form 14 primitive 3D forms called the Bravais lattices. The 14 Bravais lattices can be further subdivided into 32 point groups.