<< Chapter < Page | Chapter >> Page > |
Before we further practice using Hess’s law, let us recall two important features of Δ H .
Δ H is directly proportional to the quantities of reactants or products. For example, the enthalpy change for the reaction forming 1 mole of NO 2 ( g ) is +33.2 kJ:
When 2 moles of NO 2 (twice as much) are formed, the Δ H will be twice as large:
In general, if we multiply or divide an equation by a number, then the enthalpy change should also be multiplied or divided by the same number.
Δ H for a reaction in one direction is equal in magnitude and opposite in sign to Δ H for the reaction in the reverse direction. For example, given that:
Then, for the “reverse” reaction, the enthalpy change is also “reversed”:
Looking at the reactions, we see that the reaction for which we want to find Δ H ° is the sum of the two reactions with known Δ H values, so we must sum their Δ H s:
The enthalpy of formation, of FeCl 3 ( s ) is −399.5 kJ/mol.
from the following information:
66.4 kJ
Here is a less straightforward example that illustrates the thought process involved in solving many Hess’s law problems. It shows how we can find many standard enthalpies of formation (and other values of Δ H ) if they are difficult to determine experimentally.
(i)
Use the reactions here to determine the Δ H ° for reaction (i) :
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
Next, we see that F 2 is also needed as a reactant. To get this, reverse and halve reaction (ii) , which means that the Δ H ° changes sign and is halved:
To get ClF 3 as a product, reverse (iv) , changing the sign of Δ H °:
Now check to make sure that these reactions add up to the reaction we want:
Reactants and cancel out product O 2 ; product cancels reactant and reactant is cancelled by products and OF 2 . This leaves only reactants ClF( g ) and F 2 ( g ) and product ClF 3 ( g ), which are what we want. Since summing these three modified reactions yields the reaction of interest, summing the three modified Δ H ° values will give the desired Δ H °:
(i)
Use the reactions here to determine the Δ H ° for reaction (i) :
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
−1407 kJ
Notification Switch
Would you like to follow the 'Ut austin - principles of chemistry' conversation and receive update notifications?