Question

Which has larger lattice energy among $ZnO$ and $NaCl$?

• A. $ZnO$ > $NaCl$
• B. $ZnO$ < $NaCl$
• C. $ZnO$ = $NaCl$
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is A $ZnO$ > $NaCl$

Lattice Energy is directly proportional to the charge on the ions and inversely proportional to the size of the ions. There are two factors at work here. The main factor is the charge on the ions. In $ZnO$, both positive and negative ions carry two charges. In $NaCl$, they only carry one. The lattice energy is much greater in $ZnO$ than in $NaCl$.