The substances NaF and CaO are isoelectronic (have the same number of valence electrons). (d) Using the lattice energies in Table 8.1, predict the lattice energy of ScN.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the concept of lattice energy, which is the energy required to separate one mole of an ionic solid into its gaseous ions.
2. Understand that lattice energy is influenced by the charges of the ions and the distance between them, as described by Coulomb's Law.
3. Recognize that ScN is composed of Sc^{3+} and N^{3-} ions, which have higher charges compared to NaF and CaO, leading to a higher lattice energy.
4. Use the lattice energies of NaF and CaO from Table 8.1 as reference points, noting that higher charges in ScN will result in a significantly higher lattice energy.
5. Predict that the lattice energy of ScN will be greater than those of NaF and CaO due to the higher ionic charges, without calculating the exact value.

Key Concepts

Isoelectronic Species

Isoelectronic species are atoms, ions, or molecules that have the same number of electrons and, consequently, the same electronic structure. For example, NaF and CaO both have the same number of valence electrons, which influences their chemical properties and interactions. Understanding isoelectronic relationships helps predict the behavior of compounds in terms of stability and reactivity.

Lattice Energy

Lattice energy is the energy released when gaseous ions combine to form an ionic solid, or the energy required to separate one mole of a solid ionic compound into its gaseous ions. It is a measure of the strength of the forces between the ions in an ionic compound. Higher lattice energies indicate stronger ionic bonds, which can affect the stability and solubility of the compound.

Trends in Lattice Energy

Lattice energy trends can be predicted based on ionic charge and ionic size. Generally, greater charges on the ions lead to higher lattice energies due to stronger electrostatic attractions, while larger ionic radii result in lower lattice energies due to increased distance between the charged ions. Understanding these trends is essential for predicting the lattice energy of compounds like ScN based on known values from similar compounds.