Determining Heat of Formation of n-Butane

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the standard heat of formation of n-butane using Hess's law and related chemical equations. Participants explore the indirect measurement of this value through the combustion reactions of carbon, hydrogen, and n-butane, as well as the formation of other compounds like propanol.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the standard heat of formation of n-butane cannot be measured directly and must be determined indirectly using Hess's law, providing combustion data for carbon, hydrogen, and n-butane.
  • Another participant attempts to derive the formation equation for n-butane, expressing confusion about balancing the reaction and the number of oxygen molecules involved.
  • A participant questions the calculation of oxygen molecules, seeking clarification on the derivation of 9.5 molecules of oxygen.
  • There is a discussion about writing the chemical equation for the standard molar enthalpy of formation of propanol, with differing opinions on the correct balanced equation.
  • One participant critiques a proposed equation for propanol formation, noting it is unbalanced and uses substances in non-standard states, while suggesting it is still an improvement over another option presented.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty and confusion regarding the balancing of chemical equations and the correct approach to determining heats of formation. There is no consensus on the correct equations or methods presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight issues with balancing chemical equations and the use of substances in standard versus non-standard states, indicating potential limitations in their approaches.

Nellen2222
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Homework Statement



The standard heat of formation of n butane cannot be measured directly but can be determined indirectly from other heats of reaction by applying hess's law. Given the folowing data for the combustion of carbon hydrogen and n butane in oxygen:

C + O2---> CO2 H=-393.5
H2 + 1/2O2 --> H2O
C4H10 + 6.5O2 ---> 4CO2 + 5H2O

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Tried several times on scratch paper. The formation of butane is as so : 4C + 5H2-->C4H10

Ive tried the actual formation using CO2 + H2O --> C4H10 But i can't cancel the carbons

Sticking with my other normal equation 4C + 5H2 --> C4H10 (This is what I want, No?)

Tell me if my equation is wrong, cause it proabably is.

I tried multiplying the first step by 4, the second step by 5, and reversing the third step only to get everything to cancel except the oxygen. I get stuck with 6.5 oxygens on the left side and 9.5 Oxygens on the right. Dont know where to g ofrom there. Help please!
 
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4 \times 1 + 5 \times \frac 1 2 = 6.5
 
elaborate...?
 
Here is another question: Write the chemical equation for the standard molar enthalpy of formation of proponol. c3h8O
Is this simply :: 3C + 8H + O2 ----> C3H8O ( I am pretty sure its this one.)

?

Or is it 3CO2 + 4H2O ----> C3H8O + 9/2O2

Thanks
 
Nellen2222 said:
elaborate...?

Where did you get 9.5 molecules of oxygen from?
 
Nellen2222 said:
Is this simply :: 3C + 8H + O2 ----> C3H8O ( I am pretty sure its this one.)

It is not balanced and it uses substances in non standard state. But it is much better than the other one.
 

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