The total number of ions per unit cell in sphalerite (zinc blend) structure if there is a Schottky d — Solid State Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

A perfect zinc blende (ZnS) unit cell contains 4 $\text{Zn}^{2+}$ cations and 4 $\text{S}^{2-}$ anions, totaling 8 ions. A Schottky defect involves the loss of equal numbers of cations and anions to maintain electrical neutrality. Losing 1 anion means 1 cation is also missing. The remaining ions $= 8 - 2 = 6$. Therefore, correct answer is 6.