(a) Based on the lattice energies of MgCl2 and SrCl2 given in Table 8.1, what is the range of values that you would expect for the lattice energy of CaCl2?

Key Concepts

Lattice Energy

Lattice energy is the amount of energy released when gaseous ions combine to form an ionic solid. It is a measure of the strength of the forces between the ions in an ionic compound. Higher lattice energy indicates stronger ionic bonds, which typically results in higher melting points and greater stability of the compound.

Trends in Lattice Energy

Lattice energy varies with the charge and size of the ions involved. Generally, as the charge of the ions increases, the lattice energy increases due to stronger electrostatic forces. Conversely, larger ions result in lower lattice energy because the distance between the ions increases, weakening the attraction.

Comparative Analysis

To estimate the lattice energy of CaCl2, one can compare it to the known lattice energies of MgCl2 and SrCl2. Since calcium (Ca) is positioned between magnesium (Mg) and strontium (Sr) in the periodic table, its lattice energy is expected to fall within the range defined by these two compounds, reflecting its ionic size and charge.