The physical properties of ionic substances
2 marks · EasyIn sodium chloride, each sodium ion (Na^+) is surrounded by 6 chloride ions (Cl^-).
Calculate the total number of chloride ions immediately surrounding sodium ions in a lattice that contains 4 sodium ions.
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24 chloride ions (±0)
Also accept: 24; There are 24 chloride ions surrounding the sodium ions.
Common mistakes: Multiplying by a wrong factor or inverting the relationship (e.g. dividing instead of multiplying)
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Marking points
M1 · 1 mark · Recognises each Na^+ is surrounded by 6 Cl^- ions and sets up the calculation 4 × 6.
A1 · 1 mark · Gives the answer of 24 (chloride ions) with correct context.
Worked solution
Number of Cl^- ions surrounding one Na^+ = 6
There are 24 chloride ions immediately surrounding 4 sodium ions in the lattice.