A substance is dissolved in water, and the temperature of the surroundings decreases. Is this process exothermic or endothermic? Explain your reasoning in 3-5 sentences. (4 points)
This process is endothermic. When a substance dissolves in water, the bonds between the molecules of the substance are broken and new bonds are formed between the dissolved particles and the water molecules. This requires energy input, which is absorbed from the surroundings. As a result, the temperature of the surroundings decreases because the energy is being taken away from them, indicating an endothermic process.
This process is endothermic. When a substance is dissolved in water and the temperature of the surroundings decreases, it means that heat is being absorbed from the surroundings to break the intermolecular forces between the solute particles and the solvent molecules. This absorption of heat causes the temperature of the surroundings to decrease, indicating an input of energy. In an endothermic process, the system absorbs heat from the surroundings, resulting in a decrease in temperature.
