which of the following steps in solution formation is exothermic?
The step in solution formation that is exothermic is the dissolution step.
Answer: During the dissolution step, the solute molecules or ions break apart and mix with the solvent molecules. This process releases energy in the form of heat, making it exothermic. As the solute particles interact with the solvent, the attractive forces between the solute and solvent overcome the attractive forces holding the solute together. This results in the release of energy, which increases the temperature of the surroundings. An example of an exothermic dissolution is when salt (solute) is added to water (solvent), and the resulting solution becomes warm.