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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