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In the densest state of packing, each sphere is in contact with ______ neighbouring spheres.

(a) 6

(b) 12

(c) 8

(d) 18

I had been asked this question in a national level competition.

Asked question is from Packing of Uniform Spheres in chapter Preliminary Definitions and Relationships of Geotechnical Engineering I

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The correct answer is (b) 12

For explanation: In the densest state of packing, sphere centres form a rhombohedral array with face angle α=60°. Thus, each sphere is in contact with 12 neighbouring spheres.

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