Which of the following solid has maximum melting point ? — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Solubility of ionic compounds in water is governed by the relative magnitudes of lattice energy and hydration energy. Step 2: Down the group, both the cationic size increases, leading to a decrease in both lattice energy and hydration energy. However, for alkali metal fluorides, the decrease in lattice energy is more rapid than the decrease in hydration energy. Step 3: Therefore, the correct explanation is that both energies decrease down the group, but the decrease in lattice energy is rapid, making the compound more soluble down the group. Thus, the correct option is (c).