Introduced to this in AP Chemistry
What is it?
Lattice energy is the energy required to completely separate a mole of solid ionic compound into gaseous ions
We can use Coulomb’s Law to explain lattice energy trends (energy NOT force)
Equation
Lattice Energy = R
This is similar to Coulomb’s Law
Trends
As charge magnitude increases the lattice energy of ionic compound increases
Ayush terms: The higher 2 atoms that form a compound are charged the higher the lattice energy
As internuclear distance between the oppositely charged ions increases, the lattice energy decreases
Ayush terms: Smaller atomic radius -> more lattice energy
Ionic compounds with higher lattice energies have higher melting points
Ayush terms: Self explanatory, re-read it if you don’t get it