Ionic Bonding and Lattice Energy
An ionic bond arises from electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, with lattice energy measuring the strength of the resulting crystal.
What is Ionic Bonding and Lattice Energy?
An ionic bond arises from electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, with lattice energy measuring the strength of the resulting crystal.
Key formula / rule: Lattice energy increases with charge and decreases with ionic radius.
Key points
- Compare lattice energies of ionic compounds using charge and size.
- Apply Fajans' rules to predict covalent character.
Common exam trap
Assuming all metal-nonmetal compounds are purely ionic.
Definitions
- Term
Ionic Bonding and Lattice Energy
- Meaning
An ionic bond arises from electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, with lattice energy measuring the strength of the resulting crystal.
- Term
Ionic Bonding and Lattice Energy — explanation
- Meaning
Lattice energy rises with ionic charge and falls with ionic size, which explains melting points and solubility trends. Fajans' rules describe when an ionic bond gains covalent character.
Learning objectives
Compare lattice energies of ionic compounds using charge and size.
Apply Fajans' rules to predict covalent character.
Formulae
- Key point
Lattice energy increases with charge and decreases with ionic radius.
- Key point
Ionic compounds conduct only when molten or dissolved.
- Key point
Fajans' rules predict covalent character from small, highly charged cations.
Prerequisites
CHE-U2-PT-T1-S1-C2
Common mistakes
Assuming all metal-nonmetal compounds are purely ionic.
Comparing lattice energies while ignoring the charge difference.
Keywords
Ionic
Bonding
Lattice
Energy
Practice preview
What is an ionic bond?…
easy
Lattice energy is defined as the energy released when:…
easy
Which of the following ionic compounds is expected to have the highest lattice energy?…
medium