Ionic Properties and Hydration Energy
Which of the following conclusions is best supported by the evidence that smaller, highly charged ions have greater (more negative) hydration energies?
Extended Narrative:
“Experiments comparing ions in solution have shown that ions with higher charges and smaller radii exhibit much larger (more negative) hydration energies. This is attributed to their high charge density, which results in stronger electrostatic interactions with water molecules.”
The hydration energy is determined solely by the size of the ion, with charge having no significant influence on the energy observed.
Higher charge density leads to stronger electrostatic attractions with water molecules, resulting in more negative hydration energies.
The experimental data are inconclusive, and no reliable relationship between ionic size, charge, and hydration energy can be established.
Ions with lower charges actually exhibit greater negative hydration energies due to reduced electrostatic repulsion in aqueous solutions.
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