JEE Main 2005 — Chemical Bonding And Molecular Structure Question with Solution

The lattice energy of an ionic compound is a measure of the strength of the bonds in that ionic compound. Specifically, it is the energy required to separate one mole of an ionic solid into its constituent ions in the gaseous state. The lattice energy depends on several factors, primarily the charge on the ions and the size (or radius) of the ions.

1. Charge on the ions: The lattice energy is directly proportional to the product of the charges of the cation and the anion. Higher charges result in stronger electrostatic attraction between the ions, thereby increasing the lattice energy. This relationship can be derived from Coulomb's law, which states that the force of attraction between two charged particles is directly proportional to the product of their charges.

Mathematically:

$$U\propto \frac{q_1\cdot q_2}{r}$$

where $U$ is the lattice energy, $q_1$ and $q_2$ are the charges on the ions, and $r$ is the distance between the centers of the ions.

2. Size of the ions: The lattice energy is inversely proportional to the distance between the ions, which depends on the sum of their ionic radii. Smaller ions can come closer together, increasing the electrostatic attractions between them, thereby increasing the lattice energy. Larger ions, being further apart, result in a lower lattice energy.

Considering these two factors, the correct choice is:

Option D: Charge on the ion and size of the ion