In the cubic closest-packed structure of sodium chloride, what ions are touching or nearly touching?
(I)Sodium ions and sodium ions
(II)Chloride ions and chloride ions
(III)Sodium ions and chloride ions

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a cubic closest-packed structure, each ion is surrounded by 6 ions of opposite charge forming an octahedron. Therefore, in sodium chloride, sodium ions and chloride ions are touching or nearly touching each other. There is no such interaction between ions of the same charge. Therefore, option I is incorrect, and option II is not clear regarding which ions are being referred to. Option III is correct, but option D is the best choice as it includes both options II and III.

In the Cubic Closest-Packed Structure of Sodium Chloride, What Ions