From a molecular/ionic point of view (bonds broken/formed) why is it that dissolving some salts is exothermic, while others it is endothermic?
There are two competing reactions. The first is the breaking of the bonds between the cation and the anion in the salt. The second is the bonds that are formed between the ions and water (that is, hydration). It takes an input of energy to break a bond, and energy is released when a bond is formed.
If the sum of the energies of the bonds which are broken is greater than the sum of the bonds which are formed, the enthalpy change is positive, and the process is endothermic.
If the sum of the energies of the bonds which are broken is less than the sum of the bonds which are formed, the enthalpy change is negative, and the process is exothermic.
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