Which of the following best describes the crystal lattice structure of sodium chloride?

• A. A hexagonal close-packed structure of neutral sodium and chlorine atoms
• B. A molecular lattice held together by covalent bonds between Na and Cl
• C. A layered structure with alternating sheets of Na^+ and Cl^- ions
• D. A three-dimensional arrangement of Na^+ and Cl^- ions in a cubic pattern

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that sodium chloride (NaCl) is an ionic compound composed of positively charged sodium ions (Na^+) and negatively charged chloride ions (Cl^-).
2. Recall that ionic compounds typically form crystal lattices where ions are arranged in a repeating three-dimensional pattern to maximize attraction and minimize repulsion.
3. Recognize that NaCl crystallizes in a cubic lattice structure, specifically a face-centered cubic (FCC) arrangement, where each Na^+ ion is surrounded by six Cl^- ions and vice versa, forming a stable, repeating cubic pattern.
4. Eliminate options that describe molecular lattices or covalent bonding, as NaCl is held together by ionic bonds, not covalent bonds, and does not form molecular units.
5. Conclude that the best description is a three-dimensional cubic arrangement of Na^+ and Cl^- ions, reflecting the ionic crystal lattice structure of sodium chloride.