Can you compare the lattice enthalpies of the salts MgCl_2, and CaCl_2, and SrCl_2, and BaCl_2?

1 Answer
anor277
Jun 23, 2017

Neither CsCl_2 nor ScCl_2 exist..........

Explanation:

We could compare MgCl_2, and CaCl_2, and SrCl_2, and BaCl_2. Of these, MgCl_2 will have the highest lattice energy. Why?

Because Mg^(2+) is the smallest ion, and thus the electrostatic force of attraction is GREATEST between the smaller metal cation and the chloride anion. And certainly, given the 1/r^2 electrostatic force, interaction between the cation and the anion will be here the most significant.

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