The diameter of a chloride ion is 362 pm, and the diameter of a potassium ion is 276 pm. What is the distance between the nuclei of adjacent chloride and potassium ions in solid potassium chloride?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The distance between the nuclei of adjacent chloride and potassium ions would be the sum of their radii. Therefore, the distance would be (362 pm + 276 pm) = 638 pm. However, since the question asks for the distance in solid potassium chloride, we need to divide this distance by 2, since each ion is touching multiple neighbors in a crystal lattice. Thus, the correct distance would be 638 pm/2 = 319 pm.

The Diameter of a Chloride Ion Is 362 Pm, and the Diameter