Can a reaction be neither exo- nor endothermic?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the enthalpy change (∆rH) and entropy change (∆rS) for the reaction 2 C2H6 (g) → C4H10 (g) + H2 (g) under standard conditions. The calculated ∆rH is 43.7 kJ/mol, and participants explore whether there exists a temperature (TH) where the reaction is neither exothermic nor endothermic. It is noted that the heat capacity of hydrogen was omitted in initial calculations, which could affect the results. A participant raises a question about calculating entropy at negative temperatures, leading to clarification that negative absolute temperatures do not exist. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accurate calculations and understanding thermodynamic principles.
kingkong23
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Homework Statement


Organic life is based on complex organic molecules formed from smaller ones during a long evolution. Using data in Appendix 2, investigate one such reaction:
2 C2H6 (g) → C4H10 (g) + H2 (g)

(a) Calculate ∆rH and ∆rS for such a reaction under standard conditions (Po = 1 bar, To = 298 K).
Is there a temperature, TH, for which the reaction is neither endo- nor exothermic – calculate it?
- I did this already - The ∆rH = 43.7kJ/mol which is needed to answer the next question

b) Is there a temperature, TH, for which the reaction is neither endo- nor exothermic – calculate it?

CPm(C2H6) = 52.5 J/(mol K)

CPm(C4H10) = 97.5 J/(mol K)

Smo(C4H10) = 310.2 J/(mol K)

∆fHmo(C4H10) = -125.7 kJ/mol

Homework Equations



Δr H (T2) = Δr H (T1) + ΔCp (T2-T1)

The Attempt at a Solution



upload_2016-10-19_14-22-53.png


Did I do it right? is it possible?
 
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You've used "H" for "hot," for "hydrogen," for "enthalpy," ... ?
 
Your algebra for the heat capacity term doesn't seem correct, and you omitted the effect of the heat capacity of hydrogen.
 
But - in general - the answer to the main question is "yes".
 
Bystander said:
You've used "H" for "hot," for "hydrogen," for "enthalpy," ... ?

enthalpy
 
Chestermiller said:
Your algebra for the heat capacity term doesn't seem correct, and you omitted the effect of the heat capacity of hydrogen.
oh yeah, I totally missed that.

upload_2016-10-19_16-38-2.png

does this number seem reasonable ?
 
kingkong23 said:
oh yeah, I totally missed that.

View attachment 107717
does this number seem reasonable ?
upload_2016-10-19_16-41-44.png
 

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I think so. So, for this reaction, there apparently isn't a cross-over.
 
Chestermiller said:
I think so. So, for this reaction, there apparently isn't a cross-over.
in a follow up question I was asked "obtain the reaction entropy, ∆rS, for such a temperature" (which I calculated to be -1725.15k)

So I tried using this:
Δr S0 Tf= Δr S0 Ti + Δr CP ln(Tf / Ti)

but I can't do ln for a negative number so is my temperature calculation wrong?
 
  • #10
kingkong23 said:
in a follow up question I was asked "obtain the reaction entropy, ∆rS, for such a temperature" (which I calculated to be -1725.15k)

So I tried using this:
Δr S0 Tf= Δr S0 Ti + Δr CP ln(Tf / Ti)

but I can't do ln for a negative number so is my temperature calculation wrong?
As best I can tell, you didn't make a mistake.
 
  • #11
Chestermiller said:
As best I can tell, you didn't make a mistake.
okay, thanks for replying again. Just one more thing, at negative temperature is the entropy 0?

Because I can't do ln for a negative number.

I used this equation : Δr S Tf= Δr S Ti + Δr CP ln(Tf / Ti)
 
  • #12
kingkong23 said:
okay, thanks for replying again. Just one more thing, at negative temperature is the entropy 0?

Because I can't do ln for a negative number.

I used this equation : Δr S Tf= Δr S Ti + Δr CP ln(Tf / Ti)
To my knowledge, there is no such thing as a negative absolute temperature.
 

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