Enthalpy

Definition

The thermodynamic term in the Gibbs equation that tracks the balance between lattice disruption and hydration.

Enthalpy weighs the cost of breaking the solid against the payoff of hydrating what comes loose. It is the first half of the ΔG = ΔH minus TΔS equation. A favorable enthalpy means hydration energy roughly recovers or exceeds lattice energy.

Related concepts

Lattice Energy · Hydration Energy · Gibbs Free Energy

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🔥 thermodynamics