Question

the particles in solid ki, a stable ionic compound, are arranged to maximize coulombic attractions while minimizing coulombic repulsions among the particles. which of the following diagrams best represents the structure of solid ki?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Ionic Crystal Structure

Ionic compounds like KI (composed of \(K^+\) and \(I^-\) ions) have a structure where ions of opposite charge are adjacent to maximize attractive Coulombic forces and ions of the same charge are as far as possible to minimize repulsive forces. So, cations (\(K^+\)) and anions (\(I^-\)) should alternate.

Step2: Analyze Each Option

• Option A: Shows alternating \(+\) (K⁺) and \(-\) (I⁻) ions. Each cation is surrounded by anions and vice versa, which fits the ionic crystal arrangement.
• Option B: Has all cations together and all anions together. This would maximize repulsion between same - charge ions, so it's incorrect.
• Option C: Similar to B, same - charge ions are grouped, leading to high repulsion. Incorrect.
• Option D: The arrangement has clusters of same - charge ions (two \(+\) together, two \(-\) together) which increases repulsion. Incorrect.

Answer:

A