The lattice energy is a consequence of the electrostatic interaction between the ions. Coulomb force, is the force that drives this electrostatic interaction and is defined by the equation below:
Q1 and Q2 are the charges of the ions and r is the distance between them. This means the the higher the charges and the smaller the distance (ionic radius), the stronger the force between ions and, therefore, the larger the lattice energy.
Definition of indirect evidence. : evidence that establishes immediately collateral facts from which the main fact may be inferred : circumstantial evidence.