An ionic lattice is best described as which of the following?

• A. A repeating pattern of positive and negative ions forming an ionic compound
• B. A lattice of neutral atoms bound by covalent bonds
• C. A sea of electrons in a metal lattice
• D. Simple molecules held together by weak van der Waals forces

Answer: (A)

An ionic lattice is an extended, three‑dimensional array of ions where positive and negative ions alternate in a repeating pattern, held together by strong electrostatic attractions. This description captures the essence: a crystal is built from a repeating organization of ions forming an ionic compound, not neutral atoms bound covalently, not a metallic “sea” of electrons, and not simple molecules held by weak van der Waals forces. The other pictures describe different bonding types—covalent networks, metallic bonding, or molecular solids—that don’t form the regular alternating ion lattice seen in ionic compounds.