After consulting some chemists and ChatGPT I can confirm that sodium nitrite indeed does turn cold after dissolving it in water. Here is what ChatGPT said:
does sodium nitrite turn cold after dissolving it in water?
"Yes, dissolving sodium nitrite in water can result in a decrease in temperature, which is a phenomenon known as the "temperature drop" or "cold dissolving." This occurs because the dissolution of certain salts in water is an endothermic process, meaning it absorbs heat from the surroundings, including the water itself, leading to a lowering of the overall temperature.
Sodium nitrite is one of the salts that can exhibit this behavior. When the solid sodium nitrite is added to water, it requires energy to break the bonds between the sodium and nitrite ions in the solid crystal structure. This energy is taken from the surrounding water, causing a decrease in temperature.
It's important to note that not all salts exhibit this effect when dissolved in water. Some salts, like common table salt (sodium chloride), dissolve exothermically, meaning they release heat and can cause the temperature of the solution to rise.
The extent of the temperature change depends on factors such as the amount of sodium nitrite being dissolved and the initial temperature of the water. In scientific terms, the temperature change can be quantified using the enthalpy of dissolution, which represents the heat absorbed or released during the dissolution process."
generated on 01:09 09-08-2023