The coordination number of sodium and chloride ions in the NaCl lattice, are, respectively:
A) 10 and 10
B) 8 and 8
C) 6 and 6
D) 4 and 4
E) None of these choices is correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a crystal lattice, a coordination number refers to the number of neighboring atoms or ions that are in contact with a central atom or ion. In a NaCl crystalline structure, each sodium ion is surrounded by 6 chloride ions, and each chloride ion is surrounded by 6 sodium ions. Therefore, the coordination number of sodium and chloride ions in the NaCl lattice are both 6, making choice C the correct answer.

The Coordination Number of Sodium and Chloride Ions in the NaCl