Question

Rank the following ionic compounds from least to greatest in lattice energy: LiF, NaF, KCl, NaCl

Answer 1

The compounds ranked from least to greatest in lattice energy are NaCl < LiF < KCl < NaF.

Step-by-step explanation:

The lattice energy is a measure of the strength of the ionic bonds in a compound. It is determined by the charges of the ions and the distance between them. In general, compounds with higher charges and smaller distances have higher lattice energies.

Ranking the compounds from least to greatest in lattice energy:

1. NaCl (Sodium Chloride): Na+ and Cl- ions have charges of +1 and -1, respectively. The Na-Cl distance is 231 pm, which is shorter than the distances in the other compounds.
2. LiF (Lithium Fluoride): Li+ and F- ions have charges of +1 and -1, respectively. The Li-F distance is 200.8 pm.
3. KCl (Potassium Chloride): K+ and Cl- ions have charges of +1 and -1, respectively. The K-Cl distance is larger than both Na-Cl and Li-F distances.
4. NaF (Sodium Fluoride): Na+ and F- ions have charges of +1 and -1, respectively. The Na-F distance is 231 pm, which is larger than the Li-F distance.

Therefore, the compounds ranked from least to greatest in lattice energy are: NaCl < LiF < KCl < NaF.