Why does the lattice energy increase as the size of an ion decreases?
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Solution
The lattice energy of an ionic solid is defined as the energy required to completely separate one mole of a solid into its gaseous constituentions.
If the size of a cation is smaller for an anion or the size of an anion is smaller for a cation, the distance between the ions i.e., the internuclear distance will be smaller.
Hence, the force of attraction between them will be stronger.
Additionalenergy will be required to separate these ions.
Hence, lattice energy increases as the size of an ion decreases.