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Chemistry

The Thermodynamics of Endothermic Dissolution in Ammonium Nitrate Cold Packs

Quick fact

Ammonium nitrate cold packs can drop from room temperature to about 35°F (2°C) in under 30 seconds, absorbing roughly 26 kJ of heat per mole of salt dissolved—a dramatic demonstration that some spontaneous processes absorb heat rather than release it.

Why this is interesting

You grab a cold pack from the first-aid kit, squeeze it, and within seconds it becomes freezing. How can a chemical reaction make things colder?