Read the scenario.
A scientist needs to dissolve a solid in a liquid as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Which two methods should she use to get the desired result?
heat the solution and use larger chunks of the substance
heat and stir the solution
cool and stir the solution
cool the solution and use larger chunks of the substance
is it a?
Probably b is the correct answer; however, please note that some substances are more soluble in cool water than in hot water.
Yes, method (a) - heat the solution and use larger chunks of the substance, would be the recommended approach to dissolve a solid in a liquid quickly and efficiently.
To understand why, let's break down the options and explain the principles behind them:
Method (a) - heat the solution and use larger chunks of the substance: When a solution is heated, it increases the kinetic energy of the molecules, allowing them to move faster. This increased motion helps in breaking down the solid into smaller particles and facilitates their dispersion in the liquid. Additionally, using larger chunks of the substance increases the surface area available for the liquid to interact with, further enhancing the dissolution process.
Method (b) - heat and stir the solution: Heating the solution, as explained earlier, improves the dissolution process. Stirring, on the other hand, aids in the distribution of the heat throughout the solution, ensuring uniform heating. It also helps to mix the solid and liquid, allowing continuous exposure of fresh surfaces for dissolution. Thus, this method is also effective in achieving the desired result.
Method (c) - cool and stir the solution: Cooling the solution would slow down the dissolution process because cooling reduces the kinetic energy of the molecules, leading to slower movement and reduced solubility. This approach would not be suitable for dissolving the solid quickly and efficiently.
Method (d) - cool the solution and use larger chunks of the substance: Similar to method (c), cooling the solution hinders the dissolving process. Using larger chunks of the substance may increase the time required for the solid to dissolve, as it would take longer for the smaller surface area of the solid to interact with the liquid.
Therefore, the two methods that should be used to get the desired result are (a) - heat the solution and use larger chunks of the substance and (b) - heat and stir the solution.