Calculating ∆H for a Chemical Reaction

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the enthalpy change (∆H) for the reaction 2N2(g) + 5O2(g) --> 2N2O5(g) using given thermodynamic data. The initial calculations presented by the user suggested a ∆H of -201.8 kJ, while the expected answer was 28.4 kJ. Participants pointed out potential errors in the signs and values used for the reaction coefficients (k1, k2, k3). It was clarified that k2 should be -2, correcting the earlier miscalculation. The importance of ensuring that the values make logical sense in the context of the chemical equations was emphasized.
courtrigrad
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Hello all:

Given the following data:

H2(g) + 1/2 O2(g) --> H20 (l) ∆H = -285.8 kJ

N2O5(g) + H20(l) --> 2HNO3(l) ∆H = -76.6 kJ

1/2 N2(g) + 3/2O2(g) + 1/2 H2 (g) --> HNO3(l) ∆ = -174.1 kJ

Calculate the ∆H for the reaction

2N2(g) + 5O2(g) --> 2N2O5(g)

My Solution

from N2: 2 = 1/2 *k3
from O2: 5 = 1/2 * k1 + 3/2 * k3
from N2O5: -2 = -k2

Hence ∆comb = ∆H1 * k1 + ∆H2 * k2 + ∆H3 * k3. I am not sure if this is right. Can someone please see if I made a mistake in my steps?

Thanks a lot
 
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courtrigrad said:
Hello all:

Given the following data:

H2(g) + 1/2 O2(g) --> H20 (l) ∆H = -285.8 kJ

N2O5(g) + H20(l) --> 2HNO3(l) ∆H = -76.6 kJ

1/2 N2(g) + 3/2O2(g) + 1/2 H2 (g) --> HNO3(l) ∆ = -174.1 kJ

Calculate the ∆H for the reaction

2N2(g) + 5O2(g) --> 2N2O5(g)

My Solution

from N2: 2 = 1/2 *k3
from O2: 5 = 1/2 * k1 + 3/2 * k3
from N2O5: -2 = -k2

Hence ∆comb = ∆H1 * k1 + ∆H2 * k2 + ∆H3 * k3. I am not sure if this is right. Can someone please see if I made a mistake in my steps?

Thanks a lot

everything seems right...
 
Why is the answer 28.4 kJ when I get -201.8?
 
courtrigrad said:
Why is the answer 28.4 kJ when I get -201.8?

do you have the correct signs? Can you show all your work...
 
from N2: 2 = 1/2 * k3 k3 = 4
from O2: 5 = 1/2*k1 + 6. 1/2*k1 = -1, k1 = -2
from N2O5: -2 = -k2, k2 = 1

∆Comb = -2(-285.8) + 1( -76.6) + 4(-174.1)
 
courtrigrad said:
from N2: 2 = 1/2 * k3 k3 = 4
from O2: 5 = 1/2*k1 + 6. 1/2*k1 = -1, k1 = -2
from N2O5: -2 = -k2, k2 = 1

∆Comb = -2(-285.8) + 1( -76.6) + 4(-174.1)

k2 does not equal one

in fact

should be - k2 = 2 ( my bad... )

so k2 = -2..
 
yes, that's the error : k2 = -2

Besides relying on the math, make sure the values you get make logical sense. Equation #2 has the N2O5 on the wrong side, so k2 must be -ve.
 
Last edited:
thanks a lot guys!
 
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