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Why is solvation considered a surface phenomenon?

Answer 1

Solvation is a surface phenomenon in the sense that it starts at the surface of a dissolving solid.

During solvation, the particles of a solute become surrounded by solvent particles as they leave the surface of a solid. The solvated particles move into the solution.

For example, water molecules pull sodium and chloride ions from the surface of a sodium chloride crystal. The solvated Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions end up in the solution.

We also use the term solvation when water molecules surround polar groups on the surfaces of cell membranes.

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Answer 2

Kai Bowman

Solvation is considered a surface phenomenon because it involves the interaction between solute molecules or ions and solvent molecules at the surface of the solute. During solvation, solvent molecules surround solute particles at their surface, leading to the dissolution of the solute into the solvent. This process is primarily influenced by the interactions that occur at the interface between the solute and solvent, making it a surface-driven event.

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Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.