We analyzed the enthalpy change that accompanies the formation of a solution from the pure solute and solvent by considering three changes that must occur:

(1) Separate the solvent molecules;

(2) Separate the solute molecules;

(3) Bring the solute particles and solvent particles together. If the enthalpy of solution is negative (an exothermic process), what can be said about the relative enthalpy changes of the three processes just listed?