Magnesium oxide crystallizes with the sodium chloride structure. Magnesium oxide obeys the radius ratio rule for this structure.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sodium chloride crystal structure requires a radius ratio of r+/r- between 0.414 and 0.732 for stability. Magnesium ion has a radius of 0.66Å and oxide ion has a radius of 1.40Å, giving a radius ratio of 0.47 which falls within the required range. Therefore, magnesium oxide obeys the radius ratio rule for the sodium chloride structure.

Magnesium Oxide Crystallizes with the Sodium Chloride Structure