Paper 3 · Thermochemistry and Energetics
Which compound has the greatest numerical value of lattice energy?
ALithium iodide.
BLithium fluoride.
CSodium chloride.
DSodium bromide.
Explanation: The marking scheme gives answer B. Lattice energy increases with higher charge and smaller ionic radius. Lithium fluoride has the smallest ions (Li⁺ and F⁻), giving the highest charge density and greatest lattice energy.
ZIMSEC Chemistry Paper 3, June 2009, Q12
