Spinel is an important class of oxides consisting of two types of metal ions with the oxide ions arr — Solid State Chemistry Question
Question
Spinel is an important class of oxides consisting of two types of metal ions with the oxide ions arranged in CCP pattern. The normal spinel has one-eighth of the tetrahedral holes occupied by one type of metal ion and one-half of the octahedral hole occupied by another type of metal ion. Such a spinel is formed by $\text{Zn}^{2+}$, $\text{Al}^{3+}$ and $\text{O}^{2-}$. The simplest formula of such spinel is
💡 Solution & Explanation
Oxide ions = 4. Tetrahedral voids = 8, 1/8th occupied = 1. Octahedral voids = 4, 1/2 occupied = 2. To balance charge for 4 $\text{O}^{2-}$ (-8), we need one $\text{Zn}^{2+}$ (+2) and two $\text{Al}^{3+}$ (+6), giving the formula $\text{ZnAl}_2\text{O}_4$. Therefore, correct answer is A.