A student arranges an investigation to examine the variables influencing the solubility of sodium chloride. The student introduces 5.0g of sodium chloride into four separate beakers, each holding 250 mL of water. Next, the student positions the beakers on distinct hot plates and elevates their temperatures to the subsequent levels:

Beaker A: 30°C
Beaker B: 40°C
Beaker C: 50°C
Beaker D: 60°C
In which of the beakers would the dissolution of sodium chloride occur most rapidly?

1 answer

The dissolution of sodium chloride in water is influenced by temperature, as higher temperatures typically increase the solubility of solids. As the temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the water molecules also increases, leading to more frequent and effective collisions between the water molecules and the sodium chloride, which facilitates the dissolution process.

In this experiment, the beakers are heated to the following temperatures:

  • Beaker A: 30°C
  • Beaker B: 40°C
  • Beaker C: 50°C
  • Beaker D: 60°C

Among these, Beaker D, which is at 60°C, would exhibit the most rapid dissolution of sodium chloride due to the higher temperature, which enhances the solubility and dissolution rate. Therefore, the dissolution of sodium chloride would occur most rapidly in Beaker D at 60°C.