Which statement best describes the crystal structure of table salt (NaCl)?

• A. NaCl forms a cubic lattice where each Na+ ion is surrounded by six Cl- ions and vice versa.
• B. NaCl forms a hexagonal close-packed structure with alternating layers of Na+ and Cl- ions.
• C. NaCl forms a layered structure with Na+ and Cl- ions arranged in sheets.
• D. NaCl forms a body-centered cubic lattice with Na+ ions at the center of each cube.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that table salt (NaCl) is an ionic compound composed of Na+ and Cl- ions arranged in a repeating three-dimensional pattern called a crystal lattice.
2. Recall that the most common crystal structure for NaCl is the face-centered cubic (FCC) lattice, where each ion is surrounded symmetrically by ions of the opposite charge.
3. Recognize that in the NaCl structure, each Na+ ion is surrounded by six Cl- ions, and each Cl- ion is surrounded by six Na+ ions, forming an octahedral coordination environment.
4. Note that this arrangement results in a cubic lattice where the ions alternate positions, creating a highly stable and tightly packed structure.
5. Compare this to other lattice types mentioned (hexagonal close-packed, layered, body-centered cubic) and understand that these do not correctly describe the NaCl crystal structure.