What is lattice energy?

A measure of energy

Lattice energy is the cohesive force acting between neighbouring ions in a lattice of a crystal or solid.

Explanation:

Lattice energy is the cohesive force acting between neighbouring ions in a lattice of a crystal or solid. It is mostly predominant in ionic compounds.

The lattice energy is best explained and measured using Born-Haber's cycle for ionic compounds. According to Born-Haber's cycle, the lattice energy has two definitions.

(1) The lattice energy can be the amount of energy released during the formation of an ionic compound from gaseous phase by acting as the binding energy between the neighbouring ions in the ionic compound

(2) The lattice energy can also be termed as the energy required to break the binding energy in order to convert the ionic compound to gaseous phase.