How to Calculate the Heat of Combustion for C2H6?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the heat of combustion for ethane (C2H6) using provided thermochemical equations. Participants explore various methods and steps to approach the calculation, including balancing reactions and applying Hess's Law.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks guidance on how to calculate the heat of combustion for C2H6 using given reaction data.
  • Another participant points out a potential typo in the provided reactions, suggesting that the product of one reaction should be C2H6 instead of C2H2.
  • A different participant proposes flipping the second reaction to derive C2H6 from C2H4 and H2, and suggests a method to combine the reactions to find the heat of combustion.
  • Another participant recommends looking up Hess's Law as a relevant approach to solve the problem.
  • One participant presents a calculation that combines the reactions, arriving at a heat of combustion value of -1558.3 kJ, but it is unclear if this is accepted by others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the correct approach or final answer, as participants have differing views on balancing the reactions and the interpretation of the provided data.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the balancing of reactions and the accuracy of the given thermochemical values. The discussion involves multiple steps that may depend on the correct interpretation of the reactions.

RPN
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Hello
I am trying to solve this question and have been stumped for quite a while. Can some tell me the steps I have to take in order to solve this.
Question
Calculate the heat of combustion for C2H6 from the following information:
C2H4+ 3O2----> 2 CO2 + 2 H2O -1409.5kJ
C2H4 + H2 ----> C2H2 -136.7 KJ
H2 + 1/2 O2 -----> H2O -285.5 kJ

Thanks for the help
 
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C2H4 + H2 ----> C2H2 -136.7 KJ

there's clearly a typo here, since the rxn isn't balanced. Is the product supposed to be C2H6?
 
if so flip the 2nd equation around so you have C2H6--->C2H4+H2
Now add that to the first one to get

C2H6+C2H4+O2----->CO2+H20+C2H4+H2

Balance the reactions and cancel out the C2H4's
Now add in the 3rd eq H2+O2---->H20
C2H6+H2+O2----->CO2+H20+H2

Balance and cancel out the H2's. You should be able to figure out the heat of combustion following this. I of course did this real sloppily. You will have to make sure you use the correct balanced equations when you do it.
 
Look up Hess's Law.
Solve for reaction: ' C2H6 -> ? '
 
C2H6 --> C2H4 + H2 +136.7kJ
+ C2H4 + 302 --> 2CO2 + 2H20 -1409.5kJ
= C2H6 + 3O2 --> 2CO2 + 2H2O + H2 -1272.8kJ
+ H2 + 1/2 O2 --> H2O -285.5Kj
= C2H6 + 3.5O2 --> 2CO2 + 3H2O - 1558.3kJ

So 1558.3kJ is the final answer?
 

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