Ionic bonding beyond electron transfer
Electron transfer is a useful starting point for ion formation, but an ionic solid is primarily a lattice of ions stabilized by electrostatic interactions.
Start with the idea
Electron transfer is a useful starting point for ion formation, but an ionic solid is primarily a lattice of ions stabilized by electrostatic interactions.
A concrete example
In solid NaCl, there are not simply isolated little NaCl molecules sitting apart from one another.
Mendeleev’s tip
Do not start with a formula. Identify what changes, what stays constant and which quantity you are trying to explain or calculate.
Go one step deeper
Lattice energy depends in part on ionic charges and distances. That is one reason MgO and NaCl do not have identical properties.
A trend or model is not an exceptionless law. Always check the quantity’s definition and the conditions being compared.
Check your understanding
Can you explain the phenomenon in your own words before looking at an equation?