Question

At equilibrium the rate of dissolution of a solid solute in a volatile liquid solvent is __________.

• A. equal to the rate of crystallization
  
• B. zero
• C. less than the rate of crystallization
  
• D. greater than the rate of crystallisation
  

Answer 1

The correct option is A equal to the rate of crystallization


Dissolution is the process of dissolving the solute in the solvent to form a solution while the crystallization is a process in which dissolved particle of solute precipitate out from the solution in the form of solid crystals.

In an unsaturated solution, the rate of dissolution of a solute in a volatile liquid solvent is greater than the rate of crystallization because in unsaturated solution more solute can be dissolved.

In supersaturated solution, the rate of dissolution of a solute in a volatile liquid solvent is less than the rate of crystallization because the concentration of solute is already large enough to precipitate out

At equilibrium or in saturated solution where no more solute can be dissolved in the solvent, the rate of dissolution of a solute in a volatile liquid solvent is equal to the rate of crystallization.

Hence, option (C) is correct.