Use the Born–Haber cycle and data from Appendix IIB and Table 10.3 to calculate the lattice energy of MgO. (ΔH_sub for magnesium is 137 kJ/mol; IE₁ and IE₂ for magnesium are 738 kJ/mol and 1450 kJ/mol, respectively; EA₁ and EA₂ for O are −141 kJ/mol and 744 kJ/mol, respectively.)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the steps involved in the Born–Haber cycle for the formation of MgO from its elements in their standard states.
2. Write the equation for the sublimation of solid magnesium to gaseous magnesium: \( \text{Mg(s)} \rightarrow \text{Mg(g)} \) with \( \Delta H_{\text{sub}} = 137 \text{ kJ/mol} \).
3. Write the equations for the ionization of gaseous magnesium: \( \text{Mg(g)} \rightarrow \text{Mg}^+(g) + e^- \) with \( \text{IE}_1 = 738 \text{ kJ/mol} \) and \( \text{Mg}^+(g) \rightarrow \text{Mg}^{2+}(g) + e^- \) with \( \text{IE}_2 = 1450 \text{ kJ/mol} \).
4. Write the equations for the electron affinity of oxygen: \( \text{O(g)} + e^- \rightarrow \text{O}^-(g) \) with \( \text{EA}_1 = -141 \text{ kJ/mol} \) and \( \text{O}^-(g) + e^- \rightarrow \text{O}^{2-}(g) \) with \( \text{EA}_2 = 744 \text{ kJ/mol} \).
5. Use Hess's law to combine these steps with the formation of MgO from its ions to solve for the lattice energy: \( \text{Mg}^{2+}(g) + \text{O}^{2-}(g) \rightarrow \text{MgO(s)} \).

Key Concepts

Born-Haber Cycle

The Born-Haber cycle is a thermodynamic cycle that relates the lattice energy of an ionic compound to its formation enthalpy and the energies involved in the formation of its constituent ions. It involves several steps, including the sublimation of the metal, ionization energy, electron affinity, and the formation of the ionic lattice. This cycle allows for the calculation of lattice energy indirectly by using known enthalpy changes.

Lattice Energy

Lattice energy is the energy released when gaseous ions combine to form an ionic solid, or conversely, the energy required to separate one mole of an ionic solid into its gaseous ions. 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 and boiling points for the compound.

Ionization Energy and Electron Affinity

Ionization energy (IE) is the energy required to remove an electron from a neutral atom in the gas phase, while electron affinity (EA) is the energy change that occurs when an electron is added to a neutral atom. In the context of the Born-Haber cycle, these energies are crucial for determining the energy changes associated with forming cations and anions from their respective atoms, which are essential steps in calculating lattice energy.