What is the relationship between exothermic dissolution processes and temperature changes?

Prepare for the NCEA Level 3 Chemistry – Aqueous Chemistry (AS91393) Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Excel on your exam!

In an exothermic dissolution process, heat is released when a solute dissolves in a solvent. This leads to a decrease in temperature of the surrounding solution. When considering the solubility of exothermic solutes, an increase in temperature generally favors solvation and dissolution for endothermic processes, where heat absorption occurs. However, in the case of exothermic dissolutions, raising the temperature can shift the equilibrium, leading to a decreased solubility. This is explained by Le Chatelier's principle, which states that if a system at equilibrium is disturbed, it will shift in a direction that counteracts the disturbance. Therefore, if the temperature rises for an exothermic dissolution, the system will shift to favor the reactant side (solid phase), thereby reducing the solubility of the solute.

Other options contain inaccuracies regarding the effects of temperature on solubility for exothermically dissolving substances, as they do not consider the principles of thermodynamics and equilibrium in dissolution processes correctly.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy