One form of tantalum nitride has a crystal structure based on a hexagonal close packed arrangement of N ions as shown in the projection (along c axis) below:
Ta
Give the unit cell type and motif. Determine the empirical formula and the oxidation state of Ta, Is the structure as you would predict given the ionic radii N 132 pm, Ta 82 pm? What are the limitations on your prediction? Which Madelung constant would you use in a calculation of lattice energy using the Born-Mayer equation? What are the limitations on calculated lattice energy as measure of the strength of bonding in a salt? How might an experimental lattice enthalpy be determined? How does this differ from calculated lattice energy?