Question:

Which of the following physical transformations is an exothermic?

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Check which of the four processes releases energy instead of absorbing it.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
  • Enthalpy of ionisation of one mole of gaseous sodium atom.
  • Electron gain enthalpy of one mole of gas phase atoms of chlorine.
  • Enthalpy of atomization of one mole of methane gas.
  • Enthalpy of solution of one mole of sodium chloride in specified amount of water.
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
An exothermic change releases heat, so its enthalpy change is negative.

Step 2: Check each option
Ionisation of gaseous Na needs energy, so it is endothermic.
Atomisation of methane needs energy to break the C-H bonds, so it is endothermic.
Dissolving NaCl in water is slightly endothermic, because the lattice enthalpy is a little larger than the hydration enthalpy.

Step 3: Electron gain
When a gaseous chlorine atom gains an electron, it attains the stable noble gas configuration and releases energy. This change is exothermic.

Final Answer:
The exothermic change is the electron gain of gaseous chlorine atoms, which is option (B). \[ \boxed{\text{(B) }\text{Electron gain enthalpy of one mole of gas phase atoms of chlorine}} \]
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