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Chapter 37: Problem 4

Does it make sense to distinguish individual NaCl molecules in a salt crystal? What about individual \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) molecules in an ice crystal? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
No, in a NaCl crystal, there are no distinct NaCl molecules, only a continuous arrangement of alternating Na and Cl ions. On the other hand, yes, in an ice crystal, there are distinct \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) molecules arranged in a specific pattern through hydrogen bonding.

Step by step solution

01

Analyzing the Structure of Salt Crystals

In the crystal form of salt, sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) atoms arrange themselves in a specific order to form a lattice structure. Na gives up one electron to form Na+ cation, and Cl gains one electron to form Cl- anion. The attraction between Na+ and Cl- ions holds the lattice together. So in NaCl crystal, there's not any distinct NaCl molecule, rather a continuous array of alternating positive and negative ions.
02

Analyzing the Structure of Ice Crystals

In the crystalline form of water, however, there are distinct water molecules. These water molecules form a hexagonal lattice in ice through hydrogen bonding. Each water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms bonded to an oxygen atom, and the hydrogen bonds occur between adjacent molecules.
03

Comparing the Two Crystals

Therefore, while it doesn't make sense to speak about individual NaCl molecules in salt crystals because there are no discrete NaCl molecules but a continuous arrangement of ions, it does make sense to speak about individual \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) molecules in an ice crystal because ice is a molecular crystal made of discrete water molecules linked through hydrogen bonds.

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