Crystal lattice — Science definition
The orderly, repeating three-dimensional arrangement of ions in an ionic solid.
Where it is taught
- Ionic Bonding — Bonding, Formulas & Molecular Structure, Physical Science: Chemistry, Grade 11
In use
Because the attraction of a charge reaches out in every direction, each Na⁺ pulls on every nearby Cl⁻ and vice versa, and the ions stack into a vast, orderly, three-dimensional crystal lattice — in salt, each sodium is surrounded by six chlorines and each chlorine by six sodiums.
Ionic Bonding