Deep beneath the surface of a rogue exoplanet, explorers discover an iridescent mineral composed of a three-dimensional repeating lattice of alternating divalent cations and anions. When an automated sampling hammer strikes the mineral with a sharp shearing force, the crystal does not dent or bend, but instead cleaves instantly along a flat plane. Which statement correctly explains why this ionic crystal lattice fractures so abruptly under mechanical stress?

A) The applied force breaks strong covalent bonds holding discrete neutral molecules together, liberating trapped gases.

B) A sea of delocalized valence electrons becomes localized at the impact zone, preventing the metallic core from flexing.

C) The sudden impact forces valence electrons back onto cations, neutralizing all electrostatic attractions simultaneously.

D) The shear force shifts adjacent ionic planes so that ions of like charge align, generating severe electrostatic repulsions that split the crystal.

Crystal lattices Original Scenario-Based Practice

Chemistry · Chemical Bonding & Molecular Structure · Chemistry · Ionic Bonding

1 Chemistry practice questions on Crystal lattices. Questions built around original scenarios.

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