Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 12: Problem 4

Consider the ionic compound magnesium chloride, \(\mathrm{MgCl}_{2}\). Do you think the hydration energy for this compound is greater than, less than, or about equal to that of \(\mathrm{NaCl}\) ?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The hydration energy of magnesium chloride (MgCl2) is greater than that of sodium chloride (NaCl), because the magnesium ion (Mg2+) is smaller and has a higher charge than the sodium ion (Na+), resulting in stronger electrostatic attraction between Mg2+ and water molecules.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the concept of hydration energy

Hydration energy is the amount of energy released when a specific amount of ions get surrounded by water molecules. The smaller and more charged an ion is, the larger its hydration energy, because the electrostatic attraction between the ion and the polar water molecules is stronger.
02

Determine the size and charge of Mg2+ and Na+

In MgCl2, magnesium ions (Mg2+) have a charge of +2, while in NaCl, sodium ions (Na+) have a charge of +1. Let's compare the size (ionic radius) of these two ions. The ionic radius of Mg2+ is 72 pm, and the ionic radius of Na+ is 102 pm. We can see that Mg2+ is smaller and has a higher charge than Na+.
03

Compare hydration energies

Now let's compare the hydration energies of MgCl2 and NaCl based on the size and charge of their ions. Since Mg2+ is smaller and has a higher charge than Na+, the electrostatic attraction between Mg2+ and water molecules is stronger than that between Na+ and water molecules. Therefore, the hydration energy of MgCl2 is greater than that of NaCl. In conclusion, the hydration energy of magnesium chloride (MgCl2) is greater than that of sodium chloride (NaCl).

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

The dissolving of a solute into a solvent can be thought of as a three-step process. The drinking alcohol, ethanol \(\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{CH}_{2}-\mathrm{OH}\right)\), is infinitely soluble in water. However, another alcohol called pentanol, with the molecular formula \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{2}-\mathrm{OH}\), is nearly insoluble in water. (a) Which of the three steps in the solubility model is most responsible for this difference in solubility? Describe the step you choose (specify its name). (b) Give a BRIEF explanation for your choice.

(a) How many grams of \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) are needed to prepare \(500.0 \mathrm{~mL}\) of a \(0.300 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{NaOH}\) solution? (b) Describe how you would make this solution, including the equipment needed.

Micelles are spherical, although they are usually drawn as a flat cross section (as shown on page 495). Why wouldn't micelles exist in water as flat, two-dimensional structures?

A student combines \(60.0 \mathrm{~mL}\) of \(0.250 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{NaOH}\) with \(60.0 \mathrm{~mL}\) of \(0.125 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{NaOH}\). What is the \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) molar concentration in the resulting solution?

A 25.00-mL sample of a hydrochloric acid solution of unknown concentration is titrated with \(0.1004 \mathrm{M}\) \(\mathrm{NaOH}\). However, before the acid is titrated, \(27.65\) mL of water is added to it. The phenolphthalein indicator turns red after \(28.70 \mathrm{~mL}\) of \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) has been added. What is the concentration of the \(25.00-\) \(\mathrm{mL}\) sample of hydrochloric acid?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free