Lattice enthalpy from solution calorimetry 2026-10-14
A second indirect route makes the experimental distinction especially clear: a calorimeter can measure dissolution of a weighed salt into a known amount of water, but its final ions are hydrated, not separated gaseous ions. At compatible standard states and the same temperature,Here the combined hydration of ions term takes one mole each of gaseous and to the specified aqueous reference state. Its sum suffices: dissolution calorimetry alone cannot independently assign single-ion hydration of ions enthalpies, or determine without another input. A finite-concentration measurement also requires dilution corrections before it can supply .
In a simple constant-pressure solution calorimeter, an insulated vessel, stirrer and thermometer follow the temperature change after mixing. A calibrated effective heat capacity converts the corrected temperature change to heat. With no applied heating, negligible external heat transfer, and only pressure-volume work, the approximate molar result isHere is the amount of substance dissolved and includes the chemical solution and the vessel. Cooling means positive dissolution enthalpy, because the dissolving sample takes heat from its surroundings.[ref]
Chemistry 2e. §5.2, Figures 5.11–5.13 and discussion of including solution and calorimeter heat capacities
An actual reference measurement used potassium chloride, not sodium chloride: a platinum-lined calorimeter with an adiabatic shield and a quartz-oscillator thermometer. Because dissolution absorbed heat, measured electrical heating prevented loss of shield control; the readouts were electrical input and the vessel/shield temperature record. Stirring was checked visually in a dummy vessel. The thermometer was compared with a calibrated resistance thermometer, and electrical calibration bracketed the reaction. The reported result was at , for one mole of potassium chloride in moles of water.[ref]
The Enthalpy of Solution of SRM 1655 (KCl) in H2O by Marthada V. Kilday. §3 and §4: apparatus, calibration, readouts and specified dilution; inspected through indexed article text
Checks on residual water, particle size and final concentration, and agreement with a second calorimeter, constrained systematic errors. Imperfect shield tracking required heat transfer corrections. This experiment measures an enthalpy of solution, not a direct lattice energy; the hydration and dilution bookkeeping still has to be supplied. The full article could not be opened here; the inspected indexed text supports the stated apparatus and checks, without reconstructing its complete uncertainty budget.[ref]
The Enthalpy of Solution of SRM 1655 (KCl) in H2O by Marthada V. Kilday. §§2–4 and conclusion: moisture, particle-size and dilution studies; confirmation with an isoperibol calorimeter; full-page access blocked