<h2>The crystal lattice structure of ionic compounds</h2>
<p>Ionic substances are actually a combination of lots of ions bonded together into a giant molecule. The arrangement of ions in a regular, geometric structure is called a <strong>crystal lattice</strong>. So in fact \(\text{NaCl}\) does not contain one \(\text{Na}\) and one \(\text{Cl}\) ion, but rather a lot of these two ions arranged in a crystal lattice where the ratio of \(\text{Na}\) to \(\text{Cl}\) ions is 1:1. The structure of the crystal lattice is shown below.</p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 1014px"><img alt="" height="679" src="https://data.ulearngo.com/assets/d14bfa67-f6ca-41a3-aa9f-3ec1dcf46e8d" width="1014"/><p class="wp-caption-text">The crystal lattice arrangement in \(\text{NaCl}\)</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 320px"><img alt="" height="303" src="https://data.ulearngo.com/assets/2a46c17d-d458-4005-a9ab-3d38a027fe65" width="320"/><p class="wp-caption-text">A space filling model of the sodium chloride lattice</p></div>
<section></section>

1da7dde6-444c-4cfc-9055-98f781c809ca

Crystal Lattice Structure

Chemistry generally explores the substances of which matter is composed, the investigation of their properties and reactions, and the use of such reactions to form new substances. 

Chemistry

Discover the nature of chemical bonds and atomic combinations, including covalent, ionic, and metallic bonding, Lewis structures, VSEPR theory, molecular shape, and electronegativity.


Crystal Lattice Structure

The crystal lattice structure of ionic compounds

Track Your Learning Progress