Final answer:
The false statement regarding halite is that it has one strong plane of cleavage. In reality, halite features three planes of cleavage corresponding to its cubic structure, enabling it to break into smaller cubes.
The correct anser is B.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the characteristics of a halite crystal, which is the mineral form of sodium chloride (NaCl). One of the given statements about halite is false:
- Halite has a cubic crystal habit
- The atoms within halite molecules are held together by chemical bonds
- Halite has one strong plane of cleavage
- Halite has sodium and chlorine ions in its chemical formula
To address which statement is false, we should use the provided information and our knowledge of mineralogy. Halite indeed has a cubic crystal habit, meaning it forms in cubes, which is true for many minerals that crystallize in the so-called cubic system. This is evident from the crystal lattice structure, which is made up of a three-dimensional array of alternating sodium (Na+) and chlorine (Cl-) ions, resulting in a simple cubic arrangement where each ion is surrounded by six ions of the opposite charge. Halite's chemical formula is NaCl, which does consist of sodium and chlorine ions, so this statement is also true.
What is incorrect is the statement that halite has one strong plane of cleavage. In fact, halite features three planes of cleavage at right angles to each other, corresponding to the three dimensions of its cubic structure. Thus, this property allows halite to break evenly along these planes when subjected to mechanical stress, creating more cubes.