Question

What happens when ethanol is dissolved in water?

• A. Absorption of heat and decrease in volume
• B. Emission of heat and decrease in volume
• C. Absorption of heat and increase in volume
• D. Emission of heat and increase in volume

Answer 1

The correct option is B Emission of heat and decrease in volume

The dissolution of ethanol in water is an exothermic reaction. Thus, here emission of heat takes place.

The reaction is exothermic because there is formation and breaking of hydrogen bonds in ethanol and water takes place.

Here a decrease in the volume of the solution takes place according to Henry's law. This is because an increase in temperature vaporizes the alcohol more.

So, the correct option is 'B'.