Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 9: Problem 21

What is lattice energy and what role does it play in the stability of ionic compounds?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Lattice energy is the energy required to separate one mole of an ionic substance into its gaseous ions. It plays a crucial role in the stability of ionic compounds as the more negative the lattice energy, the stronger the interaction between the ions, and thus the more stable the compound.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Lattice Energy

Lattice Energy is the energy required to separate one mole of an ionic substance into its gaseous ions. It is a measure of the strength of the forces between the ions in an ionic compound.
02

Formation of Ionic Compound

An ionic compound is formed when a metal transfers one or more electrons to a nonmetal in an effort to attain a stable octet of electrons. The positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions) are held together by electrostatic forces of attractions, forming a crystal lattice structure.
03

Connection between Lattice Energy and Stability of Ionic Compounds

The more negative the lattice energy, the stronger the force of attraction between the ions, and the more stable the compound. Therefore, a high lattice energy means a compound is more stable because it signifies a strong interaction between the ions.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Draw a Lewis structure for nitrogen pentoxide \(\left(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{5}\right)\) in which each \(\mathrm{N}\) is bonded to three \(\mathrm{O}\) atoms.

Write three resonance structures for (a) the cyanate ion \(\left(\mathrm{NCO}^{-}\right)\) and \((\mathrm{b})\) the isocyanate ion \(\left(\mathrm{CNO}^{-}\right) .\) In each case, rank the resonance structures in order of increasing importance.

Of the noble gases, only \(\mathrm{Kr}, \mathrm{Xe},\) and \(\mathrm{Rn}\) are known to form a few compounds with \(\mathrm{O}\) and/or \(\mathrm{F}\). Write Lewis structures for the following molecules: (a) \(\mathrm{XeF}_{2},\) (b) \(\mathrm{XeF}_{4}\), (c) \(\mathrm{XeF}_{6}\), (d) \(\mathrm{XeOF}_{4}\), (e) \(\mathrm{XeO}_{2} \mathrm{~F}_{2}\). In each case Xe is the central atom.

Write Lewis structures for the following ions: (a) \(\mathrm{O}_{2}^{2-},\) (b) \(\mathrm{C}_{2}^{2-},\) (c) \(\mathrm{NO}^{+}\), (d) \(\mathrm{NH}_{4}^{+}\). Show formal charges.

Draw three resonance structures for the chlorate ion, \(\mathrm{ClO}_{3}^{-}\). Show formal charges.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free