WHEN DISSOLVED IN WATER, NAOH FLAKES SHOW

• A. An endothermic change
• B. An exothermic change ✓
• C. A slow reaction
• D. A rapid reaction

The answer to the question is: B. An exothermic change

When sodium hydroxide (NaOH) flakes are dissolved in water, they undergo an exothermic change. This means that the process releases heat into the surroundings. The dissolution of NaOH in water is an exothermic reaction because it involves the formation of new chemical bonds and the release of energy in the form of heat.

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base that dissociates completely in water to produce hydroxide ions (OH-) and sodium ions (Na+). The process of dissolving NaOH in water involves the breaking of ionic bonds in the solid NaOH and the formation of new bonds with water molecules. This results in the release of energy in the form of heat, making it an exothermic process.

The exothermic nature of the dissolution of NaOH in water has practical implications. It means that the solution becomes warmer as the solid NaOH dissolves, and this heat release should be taken into account when handling concentrated NaOH solutions to avoid potential burns or other safety hazards.

In summary, when NaOH flakes are dissolved in water, they undergo an exothermic change, releasing heat into the surroundings.