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  • Exothermic Solutions: Understanding Heat Evolution and Deviations
    When two liquids are mixed and heat is evolved, the solution formed is called an exothermic solution. This indicates a negative enthalpy of solution, meaning the process releases heat to the surroundings.

    The deviation from ideal behavior in this case is called negative deviation. Here's why:

    * Ideal solutions: Ideal solutions assume no heat is absorbed or released during mixing (enthalpy of solution is zero). They also assume no volume change upon mixing.

    * Negative deviation: When heat is released (exothermic), the intermolecular forces between the solute and solvent molecules are stronger than those between the pure components. This leads to a more ordered state, a decrease in volume, and a negative enthalpy of solution.

    Examples of negative deviations:

    * Mixing sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and water: This generates significant heat, even causing the mixture to boil if not done carefully.

    * Mixing ethanol and water: This also releases heat and leads to a decrease in the total volume.

    In summary:

    * Exothermic solution: Heat is released.

    * Negative deviation: Stronger interactions between solute and solvent molecules compared to the pure components. This leads to a more ordered state, a decrease in volume, and a negative enthalpy of solution.

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