How to Calculate the Madelung Constant for an Octahedral Arrangement?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the Madelung constant for an octahedral arrangement of doubly charged anions surrounding a doubly charged cation. The context involves understanding the interactions between ions in a crystal lattice structure.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the Madelung constant and expresses uncertainty about how to proceed without a specific parameter (α). Other participants question the equations being used and suggest that the calculation should focus on summing electrostatic interactions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different equations and approaches. Some guidance has been offered regarding the fundamental concept of summing interactions, but no consensus has been reached on the specific methods or equations to use.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a textbook reference, and participants are discussing the validity of the equations presented by the original poster, indicating potential discrepancies in understanding or application of the concepts involved.

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Homework Statement


Calculate the Madelung constant for an octahedral arrangement of doubly charged anions about a doubly charged cation. Use r0 for the anion−cation distance. (Hint: Remember that the Madelung constant considers the sum of Coulomb interactions over all atom/ion pairs).


Homework Equations



Possibly helpful Equations
EA=-(Mke2)/r0

α=2M/((n1+n2)|Z1Z2|)

EA=-(ke2α(n1+n2(|Z1Z2)/2r0

The Attempt at a Solution



So we have a theoretical bond pair X+2Y-2 with a coordination number of 6.

I believe the next step should be to calculate EA, but I fail to see how to do that without α.
 
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Your Madelung equation doesn't seem familiar to me, what textbook are you using?
 
Here is a screenshot of my professors notes I took these equations from.

Notes_zps8f083b95.jpg


This is our book:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0521651514/?tag=pfamazon01-20

What equations would you have used?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
None of these. Madelung constant is calculated just by summing electrostatic interactions between ions.
 

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