G10 Elite Science Lab Assessment

Lattice Enthalpy

Purpose: Solve for lattice Energy using the Born-Haber Cycle

Background information:
The Born Haber process, more commonly referred to as the Born Haber cycle, is a method that allows us to
observe and analyze energies in a reaction. It mainly helps in describing the formation of ionic compounds from
different elements. The method further enables us to understand the overall reaction process through a series of
steps.
Atom can lose or acquire electrons to form ions and they do so to complete their valance shell electronic
configuration and complete their octet in their outermost shell. Atoms that tend to lose electrons thus get a
positive charge. The energy required to remove one electron from the valance shell of an atom in its gaseous
state is called its first ionization energy. Similarly, atoms that tend to acquire electron gain unit negative charge
and the energy released in acquiring an extra electron is called electron affinity.

The strength of an ionic bond is described by its lattice enthalpy. Lattice enthalpy explains many practical
properties of ionic compounds including their solubility, hardness, and volatility. This lattice enthalpy is
measured by Born-Haber Cycle. The Born-Haber cycle is an application of Hess’s cycle.

Pre-Lab Questions (3 points)

1. Give 2 examples of an ionic compound. (1 pt.)
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2. On what basis is Lewis’s structure of element/molecule drawn? (1 pt.)

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3. Define Hess’s Law. (1 pt.)

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Part 1 (12 points)

Lattice enthalpy can be used as a measure of ionic bond strength. Lattice enthalpies can be determined
indirectly using Born–Haber cycles.

The table below shows the enthalpy changes that are needed to determine the lattice enthalpy of lithium
fluoride, LiF.

enthalpy change energy

/ kJ mol–1
1st electron affinity of fluorine –328
1st ionization energy of lithium +520
atomization of fluorine +79
atomization of lithium +159
formation of lithium fluoride –616

i. Define Lattice enthalpy. (1 pt.)

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ii. The diagram below shows an incomplete Born–Haber cycle that would allow the lattice
enthalpy of lithium fluoride to be determined. (4 pts.)

In the four boxes, add the species present, including state symbols.

Li+(g) + F–
(g)

LiF(s
)
iii. Calculate the lattice enthalpy of lithium fluoride. (2 pts)
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iv. The lattice enthalpies of sodium fluoride, sodium chloride and magnesium fluoride are shown below.

compound lattice enthalpy / kJ mol–1

sodium fluoride –918
sodium chloride –780
magnesium fluoride –2957

Explain the differences between these lattice enthalpies. In your answer, your explanation should
show how different factors affect lattice enthalpy. (4 pts.)

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Total Score

❑ ❑
15 Points 100 %