Step 1: Separation/expansion of the solute particles
Step 2: Separation/expansion of the solvent particles
Step 3; Combining the solute and solvent particles
The first two steps are usually endothermic. Step 3, nonetheless, can be either exothermic or endothermic and is significant in determining whether the dissolving process will be endothermic or exothermic.
The dissolution process is carried out in three completely independent stages:
1. Separation of solvent molecules
2. Separation of solute molecules.
3. Mixture of solvent and solute molecules.
Explanation:
A solution occurs when the solute and solvent molecules meet by intermolecular attractions, which should not be interpreted as chemical bonds. When a substance dissolves in another substance, the solute particles spread over the solvent. These particles break into positions occupied by solvent molecules. Its ease of replacement is dependent on the strength of three interactions: between solvent and solvent, between solute and solute, and between solvent and solute.