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Daily answer writing · Thu, 5 Nov, 2026

Born–Haber cycle: lattice enthalpy of NaCl and comparison with the Born–Landé equation

Ionic solids and lattice energy 10 marks about 150 words 7 minutes

Construct a Born–Haber cycle for NaCl and calculate its lattice enthalpy from the data (kJ mol−1): $\Delta_fH^\circ$ NaCl(s) = −411.0; sublimation of Na = +107.3; first ionisation enthalpy of Na = +495.8; bond dissociation enthalpy of Cl2 = +243.4; electron gain enthalpy of Cl = −348.6. Compare it with the value from the Born–Landé equation (Madelung constant $A = 1.748$, $r_0 = 281.4$ pm, Born exponent $n = 8$) and account for the difference.
($N_A = 6.022\times10^{23}$ mol−1, $e = 1.602\times10^{-19}$ C, $\varepsilon_0 = 8.854\times10^{-12}$ C2 J−1 m−1)

Syllabus: Common to CSE Paper I, IFoS Paper I and Geo-Scientist Mains (physical/inorganic): ionic bonding, lattice energy, Born–Haber cycle, Born–Landé equation, thermochemistry.

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