Which type of structure do both sodium chloride and magnesium oxide share?

Sodium chloride and magnesium oxide both share a giant ionic structure because they are formed from the electrostatic attraction between positively and negatively charged ions. In sodium chloride, sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-) combine to form a three-dimensional lattice where each ion is surrounded by ions of opposite charge. Similarly, magnesium oxide is composed of magnesium ions (Mg2+) and oxide ions (O2-), which also arrange themselves in a repeated crystal lattice structure involving strong ionic bonds.

This characteristic of having a repeating arrangement of ions leads to distinct properties such as high melting and boiling points, and the ability to conduct electricity in molten or dissolved states, all typical of ionic compounds. The strong ionic bonds within these lattices contribute to the hardness and structural integrity of both sodium chloride and magnesium oxide.