The theoretical lattice enthalpies

CHEMISTRY · Subjective · A Level · Chemistry · Thermodynamics · Thermodynamics

Problem

The theoretical lattice enthalpies, based on the ionic model, of sodium chloride and magnesium oxide are shown below.
CompoundΔHlat⊖/kJ mol−1\Delta H_{\text{lat}}^{\ominus} / \text{kJ mol}^{-1}
NaCl770
MgO3795
Explain why magnesium oxide has the higher lattice enthalpy compared with sodium chloride.

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