Final answer:
Mineral dissolution is a chemical process involving the breakup of an ionic lattice and subsequent solvation of the ions, which can either absorb or release energy depending on the balance of forces involved.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of mineral dissolution involves the breakup of the ionic lattice of a solid, leading to the release of individual ions into a solvent such as water. This process can be described as a stepwise one with various stages: first, energy is consumed to overcome intramolecular attractions within the solute (the substance being dissolved) and the solvent (the substance doing the dissolving), which is an endothermic process. Then, the ions or molecules are surrounded by solvent in a process called solvation or hydration, which is typically an exothermic process. The net energy change of dissolution is determined by the relative magnitudes of these energy changes.
During dissolution, the ionic lattice of a solid, such as a salt, is broken apart in an energy-absorbing process known as dissociation. Following this, water molecules attach to the released ions, a process that releases energy. The overall dissolution can either absorb or release energy based on the balance between dissolving the solid and solvating the ions. Dissolution rate can be increased by factors that result in more frequent and energetic collisions between solute and solvent molecules, such as stirring or increasing temperature.