Question

When an "instant icepack" is activated, a salt is dissolved water to make an aqueous solution and absorbs heat from the surroundings. Of the following salts, which would make the best icepack?

A. Ca(NO3)2
B. CaSO4
C. NaCl
D. NH4NO3

Answer 1

NH₄NO₃ is the best salt for making an ice pack because it has an endothermic dissolution process that absorbs heat from the surroundings.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an instant ice pack is activated, a salt is dissolved in water to make an aqueous solution and absorbs heat from the surroundings. Of the given salts, the one that would make the best ice pack is NH₄NO₃. This is because the dissolution of NH₄NO₃ in water is an endothermic process, meaning it absorbs heat from the surroundings and results in a decrease in temperature, making it ideal for creating a cold pack.