When a gaseous solute dissolves in water, which step in the dissolving process is essentially skipped? Explain why.

Short Answer

Expert verified
When a gaseous solute dissolves in water, the step that is essentially skipped is the breaking apart of solute particles (Step 1). The reason for this is that gaseous solutes are already in the form of individual particles (molecules or atoms) before they dissolve in water, with weak attractive forces between them. Thus, when the gaseous solute comes into contact with water, the solvation process occurs directly, without the need to overcome strong intermolecular forces between solute particles.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the dissolving process

To answer this question, we first need to know the general steps involved in the dissolving process. The dissolving process involves three main steps: 1. Breaking apart solute particles (ex: ions or molecules) 2. Breaking apart solvent particles (ex: water molecules) 3. Solvent particles surround the solute particles, which is known as solvation.
02

Determine the skipped step for gaseous solutes

In the case of a gaseous solute dissolving in water, one step that is essentially skipped is the breaking apart of solute particles (Step 1).
03

Explain why the step is skipped

The reason for skipping the breaking apart of solute particles is that gaseous solutes are already in the form of individual particles (molecules or atoms) before they dissolve in the water. Gaseous solutes are far apart from each other, and the attractive forces between them are much weaker than those in solid or liquid solutes. When the gaseous solute comes in contact with the water, solvent particles (water molecules) immediately surround it, without needing to break apart the solute particles. This process is called solvation, which occurs directly without the need to overcome strong intermolecular forces between the solute particles.

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