ions. The lattice arrangement continues in three dimensions. This is why solid ionic compounds form crystals with regular shapes.

The basis is two ions, a sodium cation and a chlorine anion. The crystal lattice parameter is 0.563 nm. The diagram shows both a unit cell with ion locations indicated (a) and a space filling model (b ...

ions. The lattice arrangement continues in three dimensions. This is why solid ionic compounds form crystals with regular shapes.

RECENTLY, with the increase of the resolving power of the electron microscope, it has become possible to make a direct observation of a crystal lattice composed of large molecules. J. W.