When NH4Cl(s) is dissolved in water, the container feels cold to touch. This implies

When NH₄Cl_(s) is dissolved in water, the container feels cold to touch. This implies

Answer Details

When NH₄Cl_(s) is dissolved in water, the container feels cold to touch, indicating that the process is endothermic. Endothermic processes absorb energy from the surroundings to proceed. In this case, the dissolution of NH₄Cl in water requires energy to break the ionic bonds between the NH₄⁺ and Cl^- ions in the solid and to separate the water molecules from each other. This energy is absorbed from the surroundings, causing the container to feel cold to the touch. The formation of a saturated solution or the solubility of NH₄Cl in water is not indicated by the cooling effect.