Question

In zinc blend structure, $Z{n}^{2+}$ occupies :

• A. All tetrahedral sites
• B. Half of the tetrahedral sites
• C. All octahedral sites
• D. Half of the octahedral sites

Answer 1

The correct option is B Half of the tetrahedral sites

Zince blende, $ZnS$ has a ccp structure. The $S^{2-}$ ions are present at the corners of the cube and centre of each face. $Z{n}^{2+}$ ions occupy half of the tetrahedral sites.
Each $Z{n}^{2+}$ ion is surrounded by four $S^{2-}$ions and each $S^{2-}$ ion is surrounded by four $Z{n}^{2+}$ ions.

Therefore, the correct answer is (B).