A number of factors contribute to the stability of ionic compounds. Describe one type of interaction that destabilizes ionic compounds. Describe the interactions that stabilize ionic compounds.

Question

A number of factors contribute to the stability of ionic compounds.  Describe one type of interaction that destabilizes ionic compounds.  Describe the interactions that stabilize ionic compounds.

anonymous · Answer

My answer is:
The lattice energy of an ionic compound can be calculated with the following equation:$$U=-k'(Q_1Q_2)/(r_0); 0<U$$U is the lattice energy.  k' depends on the lattice configuration.  Q1 and Q2 are the charges on the ions and r0 is the distance between the ions.  All else being equal, larger value of r0, or bigger ions, result in a less stable compound.  Higher charges and certain lattice configuration result in more stable compounds.

Does anyone have a better answer?