Question

The dissolving process is exothermic when :

• A. The energy released in solvation exceeds the energy used in breaking up solute-solute and solvent-solvent interactions.
• B. The energy used in solvation exceeds the energy released in breaking up solute-solute and solvent-solvent interactions.
• C. The energy released in solvation is about the same as the energy used in breaking up solute-solute and solvent-solvent interactions.
• D. The energy used in solvation is about the same as the energy used in breaking up solute-solute and solvent-solvent interactions.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

The energy released in solvation exceeds the energy used in breaking up solute-solute and solvent-solvent interactions.

Answer 2

Solvent-solvent interaction and solute-solute interaction are endothermic while solvent-solute interaction is exothermic. The sum of the three interaction determines whether $\Delta$Hsol is endothermic as exothermic.