Why does the dissolution of NH4NO3 happen if the ∆H is 28.1?

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In summary, the dissolution of NH4NO3 occurs even with a ∆H of 28.1 due to the energy created from protonation. This is because at constant temperature and pressure, spontaneity depends on both entropy and enthalpy of the process. Additionally, only a strong base is able to make H3PO4 act as an acid after the 3rd acid dissociation, which is due to it being electronically unfavorable. In terms of a base, PO4^2- is stronger than H2PO4^-1. The Arrehnius concept of acid-base neutralization can be understood in terms of conjugate acid/bases.
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ScienceMonkey
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1. Why does the dissolution of NH4NO3 happen if the ∆H is 28.1? I'm supposed to be detailed with an equation, and explaining spontaneity.

Does it happen because of the energy created from protonation?

2. And why is only a strong base able to make H3PO4 act as an acid after the 3rd acid dissociation?

Is it because it is electronically unfavorable?
 
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1) at constant temperature and pressure what concept relates to sponaneity (depends on both entropy and enthalpy of process).

2)In terms of a base, how strong is PO4^2- compared to H2PO4^-1? What is the Arrehnius concept of an acid base neutralization in perspective of the conjugate acid/bases?
 
  • #3


The dissolution of NH4NO3 occurs because the change in enthalpy (∆H) of the reaction is positive, meaning that energy is released when the compound is dissolved in water. This energy is used to break the bonds between the ammonium and nitrate ions, allowing them to separate and interact with the water molecules. This process is known as hydration, and it is driven by the favorable interactions between the ions and the polar water molecules.

The dissolution of NH4NO3 can be represented by the following equation:

NH4NO3 (s) → NH4+ (aq) + NO3- (aq)

This reaction is spontaneous because the change in Gibbs free energy (∆G) is negative, indicating that the system is becoming more stable. This is due to the favorable interactions between the ions and water molecules, which lead to an increase in entropy (∆S). In other words, the formation of the hydrated ions is more energetically favorable than the solid compound, making the dissolution process spontaneous.

Regarding the second question, the reason why only a strong base can make H3PO4 act as an acid after the third acid dissociation is because of the electronic structure of the phosphate ion. As the acid dissociates, it loses protons and becomes more negatively charged. This leads to increased repulsion between the negative charges, making it more difficult for another proton to be removed. A strong base, such as hydroxide (OH-), is able to overcome this repulsion and remove the third proton, making H3PO4 act as an acid again.

In addition, the third acid dissociation of H3PO4 is also electronically unfavorable because the phosphate ion is highly stabilized by resonance. This means that the negative charge can be delocalized over multiple atoms, making it less likely for a proton to be removed. A strong base is able to overcome this stability and remove the third proton, making H3PO4 act as an acid again.

Overall, the dissolution of NH4NO3 and the ability of a strong base to make H3PO4 act as an acid after the third dissociation are both driven by the favorable interactions between ions and water molecules and the electronic structures of the compounds involved.
 

1. Why does NH4NO3 dissolve in water?

NH4NO3, or ammonium nitrate, dissolves in water because it is a polar molecule, meaning it has positively and negatively charged ends. Water molecules are also polar, and they are able to surround and break apart the ionic bonds in NH4NO3, allowing it to dissolve.

2. What is the significance of the ∆H value in the dissolution of NH4NO3?

The ∆H value, or enthalpy change, is a measure of the amount of energy absorbed or released during a chemical reaction. In the case of the dissolution of NH4NO3, the positive ∆H value of 28.1 indicates that energy is absorbed in the form of heat during the process.

3. How does temperature affect the dissolution of NH4NO3?

Increasing the temperature of the water can speed up the dissolution of NH4NO3, as it increases the kinetic energy of the water molecules. This allows them to move faster and collide with the NH4NO3 crystals more frequently, helping to break apart the ionic bonds and dissolve the compound.

4. What happens to the NH4NO3 molecules after they dissolve in water?

Once the NH4NO3 molecules are surrounded by water molecules and the ionic bonds are broken, they are free to move around and become evenly distributed in the solution. This process is known as dissociation, where the compound breaks down into its individual ions (NH4+ and NO3-) in the solution.

5. Can NH4NO3 dissolve in other solvents besides water?

Yes, NH4NO3 can dissolve in other polar solvents, such as methanol or ethanol, as they also have the ability to break apart ionic bonds. However, it may not dissolve as easily or to the same extent as it does in water, as each solvent has different properties that can affect the dissolution process.

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