Which arrangement below orders the cations from smallest to largest hydration energy? Smallest to largest means least negative hydration energy to most negative hydration energy. A) Li⁺

Question

Which arrangement below orders the cations from smallest to largest hydration energy? Smallest to largest means least negative hydration energy to most negative hydration energy. A) Li⁺ < Na⁺ < Ca²⁺ < Mg²⁺ B) Na⁺ < Mg²⁺ < Ca²⁺ < Li⁺ C) Na⁺ < Li⁺ < Ca²⁺ < Mg²⁺ D) Na⁺ < Mg²⁺ < Li⁺ < Ca²⁺ E) Li⁺ < Na⁺ < Mg²⁺ < Ca²⁺

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Smaller ions have higher hydration energies, so the smallest cation (Li) will have the least negative hydration energy and the largest cation (Ca) will have the most negative hydration energy. Thus, the correct ordering is Li < Na < Ca < Mg, which is only presented in option C.

Which Arrangement Below Orders the Cations from Smallest to Largest