Which molecular scale image best represents the ionic com-pound that forms between cesium and chlorine? (Cesium is represented by red circles, and chlorine is represented by blue circles.) (LO 6.12) (a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

Key Concepts

Ionic Bonding

Ionic bonding occurs when one atom donates an electron to another, resulting in the formation of positively and negatively charged ions. In the case of cesium and chlorine, cesium (a metal) loses an electron to become a Cs+ ion, while chlorine (a non-metal) gains an electron to become a Cl- ion. The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions forms a stable ionic compound.

Molecular Representation

Molecular representations visually depict the arrangement of atoms in a compound. In this context, red circles represent cesium ions and blue circles represent chloride ions. Understanding how these ions are arranged in a lattice structure is crucial for identifying the correct molecular scale image that illustrates the ionic compound formed between cesium and chlorine.

Lattice Structure

Ionic compounds typically form a crystalline lattice structure, where ions are arranged in a repeating three-dimensional pattern. This arrangement maximizes the attractive forces between oppositely charged ions while minimizing repulsive forces between like charges. Recognizing this structure is essential for visualizing how cesium and chlorine ions interact in the ionic compound, influencing the choice of the correct molecular scale image.