In a NaCl crystal

CHEMISTRY · Single correct · AP · Chemistry · Compound Structure and Properties · Compound Structure and Properties

Problem

In a NaCl crystal, a single Na⁺ vacancy (a missing Na⁺ ion) is detected. If only ONE additional vacancy (no interstitials) can form, which vacancy would best restore overall electrical neutrality to the lattice? (a) Creation of a second Na+\text{Na}^+ vacancy adjacent to the first one. (b) Creation of a Cl−\text{Cl}^- vacancy elsewhere in the lattice. (c) Removal of a neighbouring NaCl ion pair, leaving both sites vacant. (d) Creation of a vacancy by removing a neutral Na atom from the crystal surface.

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