Born Haber Cycle

The Born Haber Cycle is a method of visualising Hess' law and is often used to find lattice enthalpy, which cannot be determined empirically. Lattice enthalpy measures the energy needed to break apart ionic bonds in a lattice structure. In a Born Haber Cycle, lattice enthalpy can be found by combining the enthalpies of atomisation, ionisation (usually endothermic) and electron affinity (exothermic).

Also something that strikes fear into the hearts of IB chemistry students.