Lattice

The ions form a regular, repeating arrangement called a giant ionic lattice. Each ion is surrounded by ions of the opposite charge, and the attractions act in all directions throughout the structure. The lattice extends in three dimensions; a flat drawing shows only a small part of it.

Sodium chloride consists of positive sodium ions and negative chloride ions in a regular, repeating three-dimensional ionic lattice. It does not consist of separate sodium chloride molecules. Strong electrostatic attractions act between oppositely charged ions throughout the lattice.