Discover the Heat of Combustion of Methane (CH4) Using Bond Energies

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the heat of combustion of methane (CH4) using bond energies. Participants are analyzing the differences between calculated values and known experimental values.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to calculate the heat of combustion using a balanced chemical equation and provided bond energies. Questions arise regarding discrepancies between calculated results and known values, with some participants suggesting that inaccuracies in bond energy values may contribute to the differences.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing examination of the bond energies used in calculations, with some participants pointing out inconsistencies in the values. Multiple interpretations of the bond energies and their impact on the calculated heat of combustion are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are referencing specific bond energy values and questioning their accuracy, which may affect the final calculations. There is also mention of an external source for bond energy values, indicating a reliance on varying data.

Chocolaty
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Determine the heat of combustion of methane (CH4(g)) by writing a balanced equation and using the bond energies indicated below.

C--H = 414 KJ/mol
O==O = 502 KJ/mol
C==O = 799 KJ/mol
O--H = 464 KJ/mol
________________

I've googled it and apparently the answer is -890 KJ/mol but when I calculate it it gives me -794 KJ/mol. I must be doing something wrong :S
 
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I'm getting -794 KJ/mol as well. You googled the experimental value of the Heat of Combustion of methane? Maybe the difference is because the bond energies used are not fully accurate.
 
[tex]CH_4 + 2O_2 -> CO_2 + 2H_2O[/tex]
change in energy content = [tex]2*799 + 2*2*464 - (4*414 + 2*502) = -794KJ/mol[/tex]
:smile: same
any1 to point out what's wrong?
 
well, your bond energies also do not agree.
see red corrections below:
Chocolaty said:
Determine the heat of combustion of methane (CH4(g)) by writing a balanced equation and using the bond energies indicated below.

C--H = 414 KJ/mol 415.2[/color]
O==O = 502 KJ/mol 390.2[/color]
C==O = 799 KJ/mol 746.7[/color]
O--H = 464 KJ/mol 438.1[/color]
________________

I've googled it and apparently the answer is -890 KJ/mol but when I calculate it it gives me -794 KJ/mol. I must be doing something wrong :S
check below for details:
http://members.nuvox.net/~on.jwclymer/rq/hoctable.html
 
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