lattice parameter

The lattice parameter is a measurement that defines the size of a unit cell in a crystal structure, which is the smallest repeating building block of the material. Think of it as the length of the edges of a 3D grid that repeats throughout the crystal. This parameter helps scientists understand the spacing between atoms within the crystal. Accurate knowledge of the lattice parameter is essential for determining the material's properties, such as strength, electrical behavior, or how it reacts to other substances. Essentially, it characterizes the crystal's internal geometry and symmetry.