In a crystal lattice, what is the arrangement of atoms called?

In a crystal lattice, the arrangement of atoms is referred to as a unit cell. This term describes the smallest repeating unit that, when stacked together in three-dimensional space, forms the entire lattice structure of the crystal. The unit cell encompasses all the essential characteristics of the crystal, including the positions of the atoms, the symmetries, and the dimensions of the lattice.

Understanding the concept of a unit cell is fundamental in crystallography and materials science, as it allows for the characterization and classification of different crystalline materials. Other terms like bonding structure, atomic network, and molecular arrangement, while related to atomic arrangements and interactions, do not specifically define the smallest repeating unit in a crystal lattice. Instead, they refer to broader concepts in chemistry and physics that can involve various types of bonding and structures but do not capture the specific definition of a unit cell.