Final answer:
The lattice energy of a salt is related to the energy required to break the salt into its constituent ions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lattice energy of a salt is related to the energy required to break the salt into its constituent ions. This energy is necessary because ionic compounds are held together by strong electrostatic attractions between oppositely charged ions in their crystal lattice structure. Breaking these attractions requires input of energy, which is known as the lattice energy. It is a measure of the strength of the attraction between ions in an ionic compound.