Evidence for the additional stabilization of certain electron configurations comes from the experimental lattice energies of the metal fluorides, MF₂. The first figure below plots lattice energy for the 2+ metal cations for period 4 elements. The figure that follows plots the ionic radii of the 2+ metal cations of period 4 elements versus atomic number.

Use the information provided in the figures to answer the following questions:

a. Explain the general trend in lattice energy.

b. Is there a correlation between ionic radius and lattice energy? Explain.

c. What could account for the decrease in lattice energy between CrF₂ and MnF₂?

d. Which has the higher lattice energy: VF₂ or VCl₂ ? Explain.

Transcribed Image Text:

Lattice energy (kJ/mol)) -740 -720 -700 -680 -660 -640 -620 TiF₂ VF₂ €rF2 FeF2 MnF₂ NiF₂ CuF₂ CoF₂ ZnF₂ CaF2 Ca Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn