Inverse Solubility of Solid Solutes

In summary, the solubility of some solids is lower when the solution is heated because the process is exothermic, meaning that the heat from the breakdown is greater than the heat needed for breakdown. However, having extra heat from outside sources can inhibit the dissolving process, as seen through Le Chatelier's principle and the temperature dependence of the equilibrium constant for the solution process. This is also why gases typically have reduced solubility in water with increasing temperature.
  • #1
Misha Kuznetsov
49
4
Why is the solubility of some solids lower when the solution is heated? I read that it is because the process is exothermic (heat from breakdown is greater than the heat needed for breakdown). But why would having extra heat from outside sources inhibit the dissolving process, wouldn't it only help it?

My source: http://www.chem.fsu.edu/chemlab/chm1046course/solubility.html

-Misha
 
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  • #2
Dissolution can be speed up by the increasing temperature, but the solubility doesn't have to grow. Think in terms of Le Chatelier's principle.
 
  • #3
The other thing you'll want to examine is the temperature dependence of the equilibrium constant for the solution process.
 
  • #4
Misha Kuznetsov said:
Why is the solubility of some solids lower when the solution is heated? I read that it is because the process is exothermic (heat from breakdown is greater than the heat needed for breakdown). But why would having extra heat from outside sources inhibit the dissolving process, wouldn't it only help it?

My source: http://www.chem.fsu.edu/chemlab/chm1046course/solubility.html

-Misha

As Borek noted think about this in terms of Le Chatelier:

solid + H2O --> solute + heat (exothermic) ---> Increasing T will reduce solubility

solid + H2O + heat ---> solute (endothermic) --> Increasing heat will increase solubility

Interestingly, gases typically have reduced solubility in water with increasing temperature -- one reason why warm soda tastes bad...
 

1. What is the inverse solubility of solid solutes?

The inverse solubility of solid solutes refers to the phenomenon where the solubility of a solid solute decreases as the temperature of the solvent increases.

2. Why does the solubility of solid solutes decrease with increasing temperature?

This is due to the fact that as temperature increases, the molecules in the solvent gain more kinetic energy and move around more rapidly, making it more difficult for the solid solute molecules to dissolve and form a solution.

3. How is the inverse solubility of solid solutes related to the solubility of gaseous solutes?

The inverse solubility of solid solutes is similar to the solubility of gaseous solutes in that both are affected by changes in temperature. However, unlike solid solutes, the solubility of gaseous solutes typically decreases with decreasing temperature.

4. Can the inverse solubility of solid solutes be reversed?

Yes, the inverse solubility of solid solutes can be reversed by changing the solvent or by adding other substances to the solvent that can affect the solubility of the solid solute, such as a solubility-enhancing agent.

5. How does the inverse solubility of solid solutes impact industries that use solvents?

The inverse solubility of solid solutes is an important factor to consider in industries that use solvents, such as pharmaceuticals, where precise control over the solubility of solid solutes is necessary for the production of drugs. It also has implications in environmental processes, such as the dissolution of contaminants in groundwater, and in the development of new materials.

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