What is the coordination number of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions in NaCl lattice ?

What is the coordination number of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions in NaCl lattice ?

6, 1
1, 6
6, 6
5, 5
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2024
In the NaCl crystal lattice, both Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions have a coordination number of 6.
The NaCl crystal structure is a face-centered cubic (FCC) arrangement where each Na⁺ ion is octahedrally surrounded by six Cl⁻ ions, and similarly, each Cl⁻ ion is octahedrally surrounded by six Na⁺ ions.
The coordination number in an ionic lattice refers to the number of oppositely charged ions immediately surrounding a given ion. This coordination number is determined by the relative sizes of the ions and the need to maximize electrostatic attraction while minimizing repulsion.
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