Higher lattice energies imply stronger bonding between the ions. This means that they will hold on to each other more strongly so that the polar water molecules will have a harder time separating them and thus dissolving them I would expect that a cation with a high charge density (smaller size for the same charge) would attract more polar water molecules and be more strongly hydrated. Solution Higher lattice energies imply stronger bonding between the ions. This means that they will hold on to each other more strongly so that the polar water molecules will have a harder time separating them and thus dissolving them I would expect that a cation with a high charge density (smaller size for the same charge) would attract more polar water molecules and be more strongly hydrated..