Why Is MgF2 the Hardest Among NaF, NaI, MgI2, and CaI2?

AI Thread Summary
MgF2 is identified as the hardest compound among NaF, NaI, MgI2, and CaI2 due to its strong ionic bonds, which are influenced by the charges and distances between ions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of Coulombic forces in determining hardness, suggesting that higher charges and smaller ionic radii contribute to greater hardness. Participants express difficulty in understanding the underlying principles affecting hardness and seek guidance on how to approach the problem. The focus remains on the relationship between ionic characteristics and material hardness. Understanding these factors is crucial for explaining why MgF2 exhibits superior hardness compared to the other compounds listed.
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Homework Statement


Which of the following is expected to have the greatest hardness?
NaF
NaI
MgF2
MgI2
CaI2

The Attempt at a Solution


I can not seem to find what affects the hardness of them, only how to calculate it after you have the data from experiments via google. I know the answer is MgF2 I do not know how though :/. Any help as to what direction to look would be tremendously helpful.
 
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Think in terms of coulomb forces - charges and distances.
 
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Thread 'Confusion regarding a chemical kinetics problem'

TL;DR Summary: cannot find out error in solution proposed. [![question with rate laws][1]][1] Now the rate law for the reaction (i.e reaction rate) can be written as: $$ R= k[N_2O_5] $$ my main question is, WHAT is this reaction equal to? what I mean here is, whether $$k[N_2O_5]= -d[N_2O_5]/dt$$ or is it $$k[N_2O_5]= -1/2 \frac{d}{dt} [N_2O_5] $$ ? The latter seems to be more apt, as the reaction rate must be -1/2 (disappearance rate of N2O5), which adheres to the stoichiometry of the...
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