(a) Which of the properties, crystal lattice energy and hydration energy, reduces the solubility of an ionic compound?
(b) Which property, when increased, increases the solubility?
I was thinking for (a) that it would be crystal lattice energy and for (b) hydration...
Im not quite sure tho.. If you could please explain to me the answers or point me into a direction that explains the concept well. Thanks
I agree with you for a. It TAKES energy to break the crystal lattice. Heat is given off when hydrates are formed.
b. I also agree with hydration energy for b. If more energy is given off in forming a hydrate that should increase the solubility.
Thanks! :)
To answer both of your questions:
(a) The property that reduces the solubility of an ionic compound is crystal lattice energy. Crystal lattice energy is the amount of energy released when ions come together to form a crystal lattice structure. This energy is required to break the ionic bonds in order to dissolve the compound in a solvent. Higher crystal lattice energy indicates stronger ionic bonds, making it more difficult for the compound to dissolve in a solvent.
(b) The property that increases the solubility of an ionic compound is hydration energy. Hydration energy refers to the energy released when ions are surrounded (or hydrated) by solvent molecules. It occurs when the ions interact with the polar solvent molecules, and this interaction helps overcome the crystal lattice forces and promote the dissolution of the compound. When hydration energy is increased, more solvent molecules are able to interact with the ions, leading to enhanced solubility.
You were correct in your thinking: crystal lattice energy reduces solubility, while hydration energy increases solubility.
If you'd like to explore these concepts further, a good direction to learn more about crystal lattice energy and hydration energy would be to study the thermodynamics of solubility, particularly the concept of Gibbs free energy. Understanding how energy changes relate to the solubility of ionic compounds will give you a more comprehensive understanding of this topic.