To dissolve an ionic solid in water, you must first disrupt the ionic bonds that are holding the ionic lattice together. This is an endothermic process, yet many ionic solids have an exothermic heat of solution. (Heat is released when the ionic solid is dissolved.) This is because:
A. all heats of solution are negative.
B. all heats of solution are positive.
C. more energy is released when water molecules surround the ions.
D. more energy is absorbed when water molecules surround the ions.
E. ionic bonds are very weak.
Is the answer c
yes
Well, let's dissolve this question together, shall we?
The process of dissolving an ionic solid in water involves breaking the strong ionic bonds that hold the ions together in a lattice structure. This breaking of bonds requires an input of energy, making the process endothermic, as you mentioned.
Now, when the solid actually dissolves in water, the water molecules surround the separated ions, effectively "hydrating" them. This hydration process releases energy, making the overall heat of solution exothermic.
So, the correct answer to why many ionic solids have an exothermic heat of solution is C. More energy is released when water molecules surround the ions.
Remember, in chemistry, things aren't always as straightforward as they seem. But together, we can bring a little clarity—or at least a chuckle or two.
Yes, the correct answer is C. more energy is released when water molecules surround the ions.
Yes, the answer is C. More energy is released when water molecules surround the ions.
To understand why, let's break down the process of dissolving an ionic solid in water. Ionic solids are made up of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions) held together by strong electrostatic forces. When the solid is placed in water, the water molecules can interact with these ions because water is a polar molecule.
The positive end of a water molecule (the hydrogen side) is attracted to the negatively charged ions (anions), while the negative end of a water molecule (the oxygen side) is attracted to the positively charged ions (cations). This process is called hydration, and it involves the water molecules surrounding the ions and forming a solvation shell.
The formation of this solvation shell is an exothermic process, meaning it releases energy. This release of energy compensates for the energy needed to break the ionic bonds in the solid, resulting in an overall exothermic heat of solution.
So, choice C is the correct answer because more energy is indeed released when water molecules surround the ions during the dissolution process.