Which term describes the energy associated with constructing a crystal lattice relative to the energy of all constituent atoms separated by infinite distances?

• A. Structural Formula
• B. Lattice Energy
• C. Single Bond
• D. Resonance

Answer: (B)

The energy in question is lattice energy. It measures how much stabilization the crystal gains from bringing ions together to form the solid, compared with the ions at infinite separation. In other words, it's the energy released when gaseous ions combine to make the lattice (and equivalently the energy required to separate the solid back into gaseous ions). A larger lattice energy means stronger ionic bonding and a more stable crystal, which increases with higher charges on the ions and with smaller ion sizes that allow closer approach. This concept is distinct from a structural formula, a single covalent bond, or resonance, which pertain to different ideas in chemistry.