If the structure of \(Co,\, \ Ni\) and \(Cu\) is cubic close packed (CCP), the structure of \(Zn\) metal will be:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → HCP
Most transition metals crystallise in one of three typical metallic lattices: body-centred cubic (bcc), hexagonal close packed (hcp) or cubic close packed (ccp). In the first transition series the structures at normal temperature are:
Sc, Ti: hcp; V, Cr, Fe: bcc; Co, Ni, Cu: ccp; Zn: hcp (Mn has an irregular structure)
Zinc has a completely filled 3d10 subshell; its d electrons take no part in metallic bonding, and it crystallises in a (distorted) hexagonal close packed lattice rather than the ccp lattice of its neighbours Co, Ni and Cu.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) CCP — Incorrect. Ccp is the structure of Co, Ni and Cu (given in the question); zinc does not follow them.
Option (2) BCC — Incorrect. Bcc is the structure of V, Cr and Fe.
Option (4) CCP and HCP both — Incorrect. Cobalt is the metal of this series that is found in both ccp and hcp forms; zinc is hcp only.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Physical Properties – …
