Q: When molten zinc is converted into solid state, it acquires hcp structure. The number of nearest neighbours of Zn will be 

Explanation:

Molten Zinc Solidifies

When molten zinc solidifies, it forms a hexagonal close-packed (hcp) crystal structure. In the hcp structure, each zinc atom is surrounded by other zinc atoms in a highly efficient packing arrangement.

In the hcp arrangement:

– Each atom has 12 nearest neighbors.
– These neighbors are positioned as six atoms in the same layer around it, three atoms in the layer above, and three atoms in the layer below.
– This configuration allows for maximum packing efficiency, minimizing the space between atoms.

Therefore, in the hcp structure of solid zinc, each zinc atom has twelve nearest neighbors.

The correct answer is Option B: 12.