NDA2024General AbilityGeneral ScienceActual
What is the coordination number of Na ⁺ and Cl ⁻ ions in NaCl lattice?
Options
- A6,1
- B1,6
- C6,6
- D5,5
Correct answer
C. 6,6
Step-by-step solution
In the NaCl (sodium chloride) crystal lattice, each sodium ion ( Na ⁺ ) is surrounded by 6 chloride ions ( Cl ⁻ ), and each chloride ion is surrounded by 6 sodium ions. This arrangement is known as a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure, where each ion is in contact with 6 nearest neighbours in all directions. This high coordination number of 6 ensures strong electrostatic interactions between ions, contributing to the stability of the crystal lattice and the characteristic properties of NaCl .