How are the ions in the crystal arranged? What holds the crystal together?
Understand the Problem
These are two knowledge-based questions about crystal structures. The first query asks about the arrangement of ions in a crystal lattice. The second query asks about the force that holds the crystal together.
Answer
Ions are arranged in a repeating pattern. Crystals are held together by electrostatic forces (ionic bonds).
Ions in a crystal are arranged in a regular, repeating pattern of alternating cations and anions. The crystal is held together by electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions, also known as ionic bonds.
Answer for screen readers
Ions in a crystal are arranged in a regular, repeating pattern of alternating cations and anions. The crystal is held together by electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions, also known as ionic bonds.
More Information
The arrangement of ions in a crystal lattice maximizes attractive forces between ions of opposite charges while minimizing repulsive forces between ions of the same charge, leading to a stable structure.
Tips
A common mistake is thinking that the arrangement is random. It is also important to specify that electrostatic forces exist between oppositely charged ions.
Sources
- What holds ions together in a crystal lattice? - Chemistry - Vaia - vaia.com
- 8.7: Ionic Crystal Structure - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
- What are the forces contributing to the binding of an ionic crystal? - quora.com
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