Chemistry
Chemistry
Problem
Which of the following compounds has a positive enthalpy of solution? a. LiF b. LiCl c. LiBr d. LiIIntuitive explanation
When a solid dissolves, it must first break apart (endothermic), then the particles interact with solvent (often exothermic). The enthalpy of solution is positive when breaking bonds costs more energy than solvation releases—meaning the process is endothermic overall. Look for compounds where the crystal lattice is especially strong or where solute–solvent interactions are weak, like salts with high lattice energies or nonpolar solutes in polar solvents.
Intuitive explanation
When a solid dissolves, it must first break apart (endothermic), then the particles interact with solvent (often exothermic). The enthalpy of solution is positive when breaking bonds costs more energy than solvation releases—meaning the process is endothermic overall. Look for compounds where the crystal lattice is especially strong or where solute–solvent interactions are weak, like salts with high lattice energies or nonpolar solutes in polar solvents.