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Ch.8 - Basic Concepts of Chemical Bonding
Chapter 8, Problem 23d

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.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

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.
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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.
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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.
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