Crystal types

Crystals are formed by ionic solids, metals, covalent macromolecules and covalent molecules.

Ionic solids

The crystals are set up by having oppositely charged ions placed as near as possible to each other with the similarly charged ions as far apart as possible.

You need to be able to draw a small section of a crystal lattice for sodium chloride. It is suggested that you start by drawing a three-by-three cube. Draw in the back wall, using the opposite charged ions alternately along the edges of the cube.

The next layers are then added in turn. By building up in this way, you will find the drawing easier to follow.

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