Lattice energy of a solid increases if

Options

A. size of ions are small
B. charges of ions are small
C. ions are neutral
D. none of these

Explanation

To determine when the lattice energy of a solid increases, we need to analyze the factors that affect lattice energy. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the reasoning:

### Step 1: Understand Lattice Energy
Lattice energy is defined as the energy required to separate one mole of an ionic solid into its gaseous ions. This energy reflects the strength of the ionic bonds in the solid.

**Hint:** Remember that lattice energy is a measure of the strength of the ionic bonds in a solid.

### Step 2: Factors Affecting Lattice Energy
Lattice energy is influenced by two main factors:
1. The **charge** of the ions: The greater the charge on the ions, the stronger the electrostatic attraction between them, leading to higher lattice energy.
2. The **size** of the ions: The smaller the ions, the closer they can approach each other, which increases the electrostatic attraction and thus increases lattice energy.

**Hint:** Think about how the distance between charged particles affects their attraction.

### Step 3: Analyzing the Options
Now, let’s analyze the given options:
- **Small Size of Ions**: Smaller ions can get closer together, increasing the lattice energy.
- **Charges Being Small**: If the charges are small, the attraction is weaker, leading to lower lattice energy.
- **Neutral Ions**: Neutral ions do not contribute to lattice energy since lattice energy is a property of charged ions.
- **None of These**: This option does not apply since we have valid factors affecting lattice energy.

**Hint:** Focus on the relationship between ion size, charge, and the strength of ionic bonds.

### Step 4: Conclusion
From the analysis, we conclude that the lattice energy of a solid increases when the size of the ions is small. Therefore, the correct answer is that lattice energy increases when the size of the ions is small.

**Final Answer:** The lattice energy of a solid increases if the size of ions is small.

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