When barium hydroxide is dissolved in water, the temperature of the solution increases.Which of the following statements regarding this reaction is true?
A) The reaction is spontaneous at all temperatures.
B) The reaction is driven only by the entropy.
C) The reaction is driven only by the enthalpy.
D) The reaction is spontaneous only at low temperatures.
E) The reaction is spontaneous only at high temperatures.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The dissolution of barium hydroxide in water is an exothermic process, as indicated by the increase in temperature. This suggests that the reaction releases energy, making it favorable or spontaneous. The spontaneity of a reaction at all temperatures doesn't solely depend on entropy or enthalpy changes but on the overall free energy change. However, the statement that it is spontaneous at all temperatures might be an oversimplification for educational purposes, as it emphasizes the exothermic nature of the reaction, which generally increases the spontaneity of the process.

When Barium Hydroxide Is Dissolved in Water, the Temperature of the Solution