The dissolving of a solute (like \(\mathrm{NaCl}\) ) into a solvent (like water) can be thought of as a threestep process. (a) Briefly name or describe these three steps. (b) What are the energy implications of each step? (exothermic, endothermic, depends on the particular solvent/solute) (c) Which of the three steps is primarily responsible for the "like dissolves like" rule for solubility?

Short Answer

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The three main steps involved in dissolving a solute (like NaCl) into a solvent (like water) are: 1. Separating the solute particles (endothermic) 2. Separating the solvent particles (endothermic) 3. Mixing the solute and solvent particles (exothermic) The "like dissolves like" rule for solubility is primarily determined by the third step, which involves the formation of new attractive forces between solute and solvent molecules, depending on their similarity in polarity and compatibility of intermolecular forces.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the three steps of dissolution

The three main steps involved in dissolving a solute (like NaCl) into a solvent (like water) are: 1. Separating the solute particles (overcoming the intermolecular forces between solute molecules) 2. Separating the solvent particles (overcoming the intermolecular forces between solvent molecules) 3. Mixing the solute and solvent particles (new attractive forces between solute and solvent molecules) Step 2:
02

Energy implications of each step

The energy implications of the three steps are as follows: 1. Separating solute particles: Endothermic - Energy is required to break the intermolecular forces between solute molecules. 2. Separating solvent particles: Endothermic - Energy is required to break the intermolecular forces between solvent molecules. 3. Mixing solute and solvent particles: Exothermic - Energy is released when new attractions between solute and solvent molecules are formed. Step 3:
03

Find the step responsible for the "like dissolves like" rule

The third step, mixing solute and solvent particles (new attractive forces between solute and solvent molecules), is primarily responsible for the "like dissolves like" rule of solubility. This is because the formation of new forces between solute and solvent particles depends on the similarity in polarity and the compatibility of intermolecular forces between them. If the solute and solvent are alike, their intermolecular forces will be compatible, and the process of mixing will be more favorable, leading to higher solubility.

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