Lattice

Huge numbers of positive and negative ions form a regular, repeating giant ionic lattice. Each ion attracts nearby ions of the opposite charge. Because the forces act in all directions throughout the lattice, every ion forms part of one continuous structure.

Opposite charges attract, so the ions do not remain as separate, isolated particles. They assemble into a regular, repeating arrangement called an ionic lattice.

Following these bonds in every direction produces a giant three-dimensional lattice. A flat diagram can make some carbon atoms appear to have fewer than four neighbours because part of the network is hidden or omitted, so the repeating pattern must be interpreted rather than read as a complete molecule.

Ionic compounds do not normally consist of separate pairs of ions or small molecules. Their ions form a giant ionic lattice: a regular, repeating three-dimensional arrangement containing very many ions.