Question detail
Explain how the charge of ions affects the strength of an ionic lattice.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Bonding
Question
Explain how the charge of ions affects the strength of an ionic lattice.
Answer
The strength of an ionic lattice increases with the charge of the ions. Higher charges result in stronger electrostatic attractions between the oppositely charged ions, leading to a more stable lattice structure.
Explanation
This answer is strong because it directly addresses the relationship between ionic charge and lattice strength, which is a key concept in understanding ionic bonding. It tests the student's ability to apply their knowledge of ionic structures and the forces involved.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Ionic Lattice Strength
Students often confuse the effects of ionic charge and ionic radius on lattice strength, thinking that only one factor influences it.
To relate ionic lattice strength to charge and ionic radius, use the rule that higher charges and smaller ionic radii lead to stronger lattices. For example, the lattice energy (U) can be calculated using the formula: U = k * (Q1 * Q2) / r, where Q1 and Q2 are the charges of the ions and r is the distance between them. Substituting values for two ions, such as Na+ and Cl- (Q1 = +1, Q2 = -1, r = 0.227 nm), gives U = k * (1 * -1) / 0.227. This shows that increasing the charge or decreasing the radius increases the lattice strength. Therefore, the conclusion is that ionic compounds with higher charges and smaller ionic radii have stronger lattices.
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