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Charge density and the size of enthalpy terms

  • 2 things to know
  • Components 01, 02 and 03

Overview

Recall questions on why greater charge density makes both lattice and hydration enthalpies more exothermic, and comparing named compounds.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started
Numbers

Why does greater charge density make lattice and hydration enthalpies more exothermic, and why is the lattice enthalpy of MgO far more exothermic than that of NaCl?

Key term

Why is the lattice enthalpy of sodium fluoride more exothermic than that of sodium iodide?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is meant by the charge density of an ion?

    Model answer

    It is the charge carried by the ion in relation to its size, so a small ion with a high charge has a high charge density.

  2. 2

    How does increasing charge density affect the lattice enthalpy of an ionic compound?

    Model answer

    It makes the lattice enthalpy more exothermic.

  3. 3

    Why does greater charge density make the lattice enthalpy more exothermic?

    Model answer

    The ions attract each other more strongly because the charges are larger and closer together, so more energy is released when the lattice forms.

  4. 4

    How does increasing charge density affect the enthalpy change of hydration of an ion?

    Model answer

    It makes the hydration enthalpy more exothermic.

  5. 5

    Why does greater charge density make the hydration enthalpy more exothermic?

    Model answer

    The ion attracts polar water molecules more strongly, so the ion–dipole bonds formed are stronger and release more energy.

  6. 6

    Place Li⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺ in order of increasingly exothermic hydration enthalpy and explain the order.

    Model answer

    K⁺, then Na⁺, then Li⁺; the ionic radius falls from K⁺ to Li⁺ while the charge stays at 1+, so the charge density and the strength of the ion–dipole attraction both rise.

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