Hydration Energy
Definition
Hydration energy is the energy released when a gas-phase ion is surrounded by water molecules to form a hydrated ion.
Factors affecting hydration energy:
- Charge density: The higher the charge density of the ion, the stronger the interaction with water molecules and the greater the hydration energy.
- Ionic radius: The smaller the ionic radius, the stronger the interaction with water molecules and the greater the hydration energy.
- Polarizability of the ion: The more polarizable the ion, the more easily it can distort the electron cloud of water molecules and the greater the hydration energy.
Consequences of hydration energy
- Solubility of ionic compounds: Hydration energy decreases the lattice energy of ionic compounds, making them more soluble in water.
- Activity of ions in solution: Hydration energy influences the activity of ions in solution, which is important for many chemical and biological processes.
- Structure of water: Hydration energy affects the structure of water around ions, which can influence the properties of aqueous solutions.
Measurement of hydration energy:
Hydration energy can be measured using calorimetry. The heat released when an ion is dissolved in water is equal to the hydration energy.
Applications of hydration energy:
- Water purification: Hydration energy is used in water purification processes to remove unwanted ions from water.
- Electrochemistry: Hydration energy is important for understanding the behaviour of ions in electrochemical cells.
- Geochemistry: Hydration energy plays a role in the formation and stability of minerals.
References
1. Atkins, P. W., & de Paula, J. (2014). Atkins' inorganic chemistry (9th ed.). Oxford University Press.
2. House, J. D. (2008). Inorganic chemistry (3rd ed.). Academic Press.
3. Shriver, D. F., & Atkins, P. W. (2010). Inorganic chemistry (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.