Read the Assertion and Reason below and choose the correct option. — Thermodynamics and Thermochemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Statement I correctly observes established thermochemical behaviour: fully hydrated salts and non-hydrate formers typically dissolve endothermically, while anhydrous salts that can form hydrates (e.g., anhydrous $\text{CuSO}_4$) release intense heat during the hydration step, leading to overall exothermic dissolution. Statement II provides an incorrect structural explanation; the effect is driven by the highly exothermic ion-dipole hydration interactions in the anhydrous salts, not by sheer molecular mass.