The lattice energy of CsI(s) is −604 KJ/mol, and the enthalpy of solution is 33 KJ/mol. How would you calculate the enthalpy of hydration (KJ) of 0.65 moles of CsI? Enter a numeric answer only, do not include units in your answer?
1 Answer
Let's define what we have.
Energy stored within the lattice structure:
#DeltaH_"lattice" = -"604 kJ/mol"#
Enthalpy of the overall solvation of the solid:
#DeltaH_"soln" = "33 kJ/mol"#
Enthalpy of replacing the old interactions with new interactions with water:
#DeltaH_"hydr" = ?#
Since you surround a solid with water to hydrate it, breaking the ion-ion interactions to make ion-dipole interactions, and since within the same context, ion-ion interactions are stronger than ion-dipole interactions, some excess energy is released; thus, enthalpy of hydration should be exothermic.
Breaking a lattice means that you've transferred energy into the lattice to disrupt its interactions and give its gaseous constituent ions, so the enthalpy of the lattice energy must be endothermic.
Note the Born-Haber-like cycle going on here:
