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Chapter 5: Problem 47

Explain the term lattice energy in terms of melting an ionic lattice.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Lattice energy is the energy required to break an ionic lattice or the energy released when a solid ionic lattice forms, determined by the strength of the attractions between the positive and negative ions in an ionic compound. An ionic lattice is a regular, repeating arrangement of cations and anions in a crystal lattice structure. Melting an ionic lattice involves breaking the electrostatic forces between the ions, converting the solid to a liquid state. Higher lattice energy indicates stronger electrostatic forces and greater energy required to melt the ionic compound, thus affecting its melting behavior.

Step by step solution

01

Define lattice energy

Lattice energy is the energy required to break an ionic lattice or the energy that is released when a solid ionic lattice is formed. It can be thought of as the strength of the attractions between the positive and negative ions in an ionic compound. Higher lattice energy means stronger attractions between ions and greater stability of the compound.
02

Describe the structure of an ionic lattice

An ionic lattice is a regular, repeating arrangement of cations (positively charged ions) and anions (negatively charged ions) in a crystal lattice structure. In an ionic lattice, each ion is surrounded by ions of the opposite charge, and the electrostatic forces between these ions hold the lattice together. Ionic compounds such as sodium chloride (NaCl) and magnesium oxide (MgO) form ionic lattices.
03

Explain the process of melting an ionic lattice

Melting an ionic lattice involves breaking the electrostatic forces between the cations and anions that hold the lattice together. When heat is applied, the ions gain kinetic energy, and, at the melting point of the ionic compound, the increased motion of the ions becomes sufficient to overcome the electrostatic attractions between them, causing the lattice to be broken apart. The ionic solid then melts and transitions into a liquid state where the ions are still associated, but they have enough freedom to move around each other.
04

Relate lattice energy to melting an ionic lattice

The lattice energy of an ionic compound directly affects its melting point. Higher lattice energy indicates stronger electrostatic forces between the ions, which means that more energy is required to break the lattice and melt the ionic compound. Conversely, a lower lattice energy corresponds to weaker electrostatic forces and a lower melting point. Therefore, the lattice energy is an important factor in determining the melting behaviour of an ionic lattice.

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