Solution Enthalpy Variation. Calculation of Solution Enthalpy

In sports activities, in hospitals and in our daily lives, the use of hot and cold instant compresses is very common. In both cases, certain substances react with water. For example, in the case of the cold compress, it contains two capsules separating the water from the NH4AT THE3, which, when dissolved in water, absorbs heat and produces instant cold. In the case of hot compresses, CaCl is dissolved in water2 or the MgSO4, which release energy producing heat.

But why certain solutions give off heat, being exothermic; and others absorb, being endothermic?

Well, to understand this issue we have to study the enthalpy variation (ΔH) of solutions, which is made up of two steps:

(1st) Reticular enthalpy (ΔHret): when a solute dissolves in water, the first step is to separate its ions which are in a crystalline lattice. To break the bonds between the ions it is necessary to supply energy to the system. So this first process is endothermic, as it absorbs energy; being yours positive enthalpy (ΔH > 0).

Separation of ions that are in a crystal lattice.

(2nd) Enthalpy of hydration (ΔHhid): after the ions separate, they are enveloped by the solvent molecules. In the case of water, it is the solvent and we say that hydration is taking place. The dipoles of water are respectively attracted by the oppositely charged ions; thus, for this interaction to take place, the release of energy is necessary. Thus, in hydration the enthalpy will be negative (ΔH < 0), because the process is exothermic.

The figure below shows how hydration occurs, in which there is ion-dipole interaction, that is, attraction between the charges of the separated ions and the water dipole:

Ion hydration scheme.

The enthalpy change of the solution (ΔHSun) will be determined by the sum of these two enthalpies. If the result is positive, it means that the reticular enthalpy is higher, so the dissolution enthalpy will indicate that the process is endothermic.

The enthalpy diagram of an endothermic dissolution is shown below:

Graph of the enthalpy of endothermic dissolution.

This is indicated by the case of potassium iodide dissolution shown below:

Your enthalpy diagram will be represented by:

Graph of the endothermic dissolution enthalpy of potassium iodide.

If the result is positive, the enthalpy of hydration will be greater than the reticular one and the process is exothermic. The enthalpy diagrams of exothermic dissolutions are represented as shown in the following example:

Exothermic dissolution enthalpy graph.

Note your enthalpy diagram below:

Graph of the exothermic dissolution enthalpy of lithium sulphate.


By Jennifer Fogaça
Graduated in Chemistry

Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/quimica/variacao-entalpia-solucao.htm

Stevia: good for health and good for the planet?

People are looking for healthier alternatives to include in their daily diets. An example of this...

read more

Fiocruz develops pioneering vaccine against schistosomiasis

The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) is about to complete the production of the Schistovac vacci...

read more

North Korea orders capital closure due to serious illness

Last Wednesday, the 25th, the capital of North Korea, Pyongyang, had a lockdown of five days decr...

read more