Question detail
Describe how ionic radius influences 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
Describe how ionic radius influences the strength of an ionic lattice.
Answer
The strength of an ionic lattice decreases as the ionic radius increases. Larger ions are further apart, resulting in weaker electrostatic attractions between them, which reduces the overall lattice strength.
Explanation
This answer effectively connects ionic radius to lattice strength, demonstrating the impact of size on ionic interactions. It tests the student's understanding of how physical dimensions affect ionic bonding.
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.
Related flashcards
Flashcard 1 of 5
Related practice questions
Question 1 of 5
Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.