The correct answer is option 2. Dissolution.
When a solid solute is added to the solvent, some solute dissolves and its concentration increases in solution. This process is known as dissolution.
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Dissolution refers to the process of a solute (such as a solid, liquid, or gas) becoming uniformly dispersed or distributed in a solvent to form a solution. It is a physical process that involves the breaking of intermolecular forces within the solute and the solvent and the formation of new solute-solvent interactions.
The process of dissolution can be summarized in the following steps:
1. Intermolecular forces: The solute particles are held together by intermolecular forces (such as ionic bonds, covalent bonds, hydrogen bonds, or van der Waals forces). Similarly, the solvent molecules also possess their own intermolecular forces.
2. Breaking of solute-solute interactions: When the solute is introduced into the solvent, the intermolecular forces between the solute particles need to be overcome. This involves the breaking of the bonds or forces holding the solute particles together.
3. Breaking of solvent-solvent interactions: Simultaneously, the intermolecular forces between the solvent molecules need to be disrupted to make space for the solute particles. This step involves the breaking of the bonds or forces holding the solvent molecules together.
4. Solvent-solute interactions: Once the solute particles are separated, they interact with the solvent molecules. The solute particles become surrounded by solvent molecules, and the solvent-solute interactions are established. These interactions can vary depending on the nature of the solute and solvent. For example, in the case of an ionic solute dissolved in a polar solvent, ion-dipole interactions may occur.
5. Solvent-solute interactions throughout the solution: As more and more solute particles dissolve, the solvent-solute interactions occur throughout the solution, resulting in the formation of a homogeneous mixture called a solution. The solute particles become uniformly dispersed in the solvent.
The rate of dissolution can be influenced by factors such as temperature, stirring or agitation, surface area of the solute, and the nature of the solute and solvent. For example, increasing temperature generally increases the rate of dissolution for most solutes.
Dissolution is a fundamental process in various fields, including chemistry, pharmacy, and environmental science. It plays a crucial role in processes such as drug delivery, chemical reactions in solution, separation techniques, and many natural phenomena. |
