AS 1.5 Solid Structures Flashcards
What is the purpose for the structure of ionic crystals?
They are both made up of oppositely charged ions packed around each other, this maximises attraction between the ions and minimises repulsion, ensuring maximum bond energy.
NaCl, sodium chloride structure.
Each cation is surrounded by six anions and each anion is surrounded by six cations.
CsCl, caesium chloride.
The number surrounding each is eight,this is because the Cs+ cation is larger than Na+, so it has more room to accommodate a greater number of anions.
Diamond
The tetrahedral strong covalent arrangement build up a 3-D structure.
Graphite
Only three bonds are made by each carbon atom, making hexagonal layers that are held together by weak forces.