Enter the numerical ion charges and the distance between ion centers into the calculator to determine the lattice energy.

Lattice Energy Formula

The following formula is used to calculate lattice energy between ions.

LE = (K * Q1 * Q2) / R
  • Where LE is the lattice energy
  • K is the constant (2.31 * 10 ^ -19 (J*nm)
  • Q1 is the numerical ion charge of ion 1
  • Q2 is the numerical ion charge of ion 2
  • R is the distance between ions (nm)

To calculate the lattice energy, multiply the constant by the numerical ion charge of ion 1 by the numerical ion charge of ion 2, then divide the result by the distance between ions.

Lattice Energy Definition

A lattice energy is defined as the total energy released when two charge gas ions attract and form a solid.

Lattice Energy Example

How to calculate lattice energy?

  1. First, determine the charge of ion 1.

    For this example, we will say ion 1 has a charge of (-1).

  2. Next, determine the charge of ion 2.

    For this example, we will say ion 2 has a charge of (+2).

  3. Next, determine the distance between ions.

    We find the ions for this example to be at a distance of 3 nm.

  4. Finally, calculate the lattice energy.

    Using the formula and the values from steps 1-3 we find the lattice energy to be, 1.54e^-19.

FAQ

What is lattice energy?

Lattice energy is the total energy released when two oppositely charged gas ions attract to each other a form a solid.