Question

In an ionic compound ,how does the pattern formed by the ions change as the crystal gets bigger?
It becomes less random
It is unchanged

Answer 1

In an ionic compound, as the crystal gets bigger, the pattern formed by the ions typically becomes more ordered and less random. This is due to the nature of ionic bonds, which create a repeating lattice structure that is maintained as the crystal grows. The ions arrange themselves in a highly ordered pattern to minimize energy and maximize stability, adhering to the principles of electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. Therefore, the correct answer would be:

**It becomes less random.**