Question

What role does lattice energy play in the stability of ionic compounds?

Answer 1

Lattice energy:

• Ionic compounds are made up of oppositely charged ions and are held together by electrostatic forces of attraction.
• Lattice energy gives measures the stability of ionic solids and is the amount of energy required to break an ionic lattice into its constituent ions.
• The greater the value of the lattice energy, the more stable will be the ionic compound.
• For example, the lattice energy of Calcium chloride ${\mathrm{CaCl}}_2$ is greater than Potassium chloride $\mathrm{KCl}$, which means that the ionic compound ${\mathrm{CaCl}}_2$ is more stable than $\mathrm{KCl}$.