Cause of Exothermic Dissolution of Gases in Water

[force]

Solution Process

Who ever answers this is a genius.

The dissolution of gases in water is virtually always exothermic because __________.

a. one of the two endothermic steps (separation of solute particles) in the solution-formation process is unnecessary

b. the exothermic step in the solution-formation process is unnecessary

c. gases react exothermically with water

d. neither of the two endothermic steps in the solution-formation process is necessary

e. all three steps in the solution-formation process are exothermic

 

[mrjeffy321]

When dissolving a gas in a liquid, it is not necesary to expand the solute (the gas) in order to dissolve it, making the process need less input energy.
Also, at room temperature, water is already has a few "pockets" availible to dissolve a solute in, making it require even less energy.

 

[force]

in that case is d. correct ?

 

[mrjeffy321]

I am reluctant to say that the second step is entitely unnecesary, I think it is just not as necesary. I think I am leaning towards a. as the answer.