When potassium nitrate is dissolved in water, the resulting solution feels cool to the touch. This means that
A)the strength of attraction between the solute particles is greater than that of the attraction between the solute and solvent.
B)the strength of attraction between the solute and solvent particles is greater than that of the attraction between the solute particles.
C)the strength of attraction between the solute particles is equal to that of the attraction between the solute and solvent.
D)hydrogen bonds must be broken, which is an exothermic process.
E)there is a decrease in entropy for the solution.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When potassium nitrate is dissolved in water and the solution feels cool, it indicates that the process is endothermic. This happens because the energy required to break the bonds between the solute particles (potassium nitrate) is greater than the energy released when new bonds are formed between the solute and solvent (water) particles.

When Potassium Nitrate Is Dissolved in Water, the Resulting Solution