That is, to break a solution apart into its separate components must require energy, and since energy is conserved, the opposite process, that of forming the solution from its separated pieces must release that energy, and so it is exothermic.

Is solvation a energy?

The solvation energy (change in Gibbs free energy) is the change in enthalpy minus the product of temperature (in Kelvin) times the change in entropy. Gases have a negative entropy of solution, due to the decrease in gaseous volume as gas dissolves.

What is the solvation process?

Solvation is the process of attraction and association of molecules of a solvent with molecules or ions of a solute. As ions dissolve in a solvent, they spread out and become surrounded by solvent molecules. Solvation is an important role of a solvent in the corrosion process.