Lesson 4: Does it Get Hot, Hot, Hot?

Some solids heat up the solution when they dissolve, while other solids can lower the temperature of the system as they move into the solution. Can you determine which solids release and which ones consume heat as they dissolve?

Doing the science

1. Start the Solution Simulation by clicking on the "Sim" tab.
2. Click on the bottle containing H₂O to add the liquid to the beaker.
3. Click on the solid KCl to add it to the water in the beaker.
4. Note and record the temperature of the system in Table 1.
5. Click on the "Stir" button. Note and record the temperature of the system in Table 1.
6. Click the "Reset" button to clear the beaker.
7. Repeat the process by adding the following solid substances to water: KNO₃, NaCl, and Na₂CO₃. Make sure to test each solid one at a time and to hit the "Reset" button in between tests.