Ionic lattice
Learn more on the properties of ionic compounds in this podcast.
Listen to the full series on BBC Sounds.
A regular arrangement of ions
The in a solid are not randomly arranged. Instead, they have a regular, repeating arrangement called an . The lattice is formed because the ions attract each other and form a regular pattern with oppositely ions next to each other.
The lattice arrangement continues in three dimensions. This is why solid ionic can form crystals with regular shapes. A crystal contains very many ions, so the ionic lattice is a ‘giant’ ionic lattice.
Ionic bonds
The ionic lattice is held together by . In three-dimensional models, ionic bonds are shown as straight lines between ions. This is only to keep things simple, because ionic bonds can act in any direction.
