Effect on Enthelpy Changes By Using HNO3 Instead of HCl

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In summary, using nitric acid instead of hydrochloric acid in the reaction between NaOH and HCl would have a negligible effect on the enthalpy changes measured in an experiment due to the similar net ionic equation for both reactions. However, it should be noted that nitric acid is the weakest of the strong acids, so its dissociation should be taken into account in the enthalpy calculation. This difference may be small and may not significantly affect the experiment.
  • #1
ff_yy
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Homework Statement


What effect, if any, would using nitric acid instead of hydrochloric acid in the reaction

NaOH(s) + HCl(aq) --> NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)

have on the enthalpy changes measured in an experiment?


Homework Equations



N/A

The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea. Some experimental values I found online suggest that using nitric acid would give a lower enthalpy change value? But I wish to know the reasoning behind this.
 
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  • #2
Consider the net ionic equation for both reactions.
 
  • #3
Um after doing that i got the net reaction of
OH-(aq) + H+(aq) --> H2O(l)
for both reactions...so does that mean there is no effect?
 
  • #4
ff_yy said:
does that mean there is no effect?

Yes.

With one important comment. HNO3 is the weakest of the so called strong acids, thus it is not necesarilly 100% dissociated (1% not dissociated in 0.1M solution). Thus enthalpy of the reaction between HNO3 and NaOH has to take HNO3 dissociation into account. No idea how large the difference is and how precise the experiment has to be for the difference to be measurable, but it exists.

But that's close to nitpicking.

--
 

1. What is the difference in enthalpy changes between using HNO3 and HCl?

The difference in enthalpy changes between using HNO3 and HCl is due to the different properties and compositions of these two acids. HNO3 (nitric acid) is a strong oxidizing agent, while HCl (hydrochloric acid) is a strong acid. This results in different reaction mechanisms and energy requirements, leading to varying enthalpy changes.

2. How does the concentration of HNO3 affect the enthalpy change?

The concentration of HNO3 can affect the enthalpy change in a reaction because it determines the number of moles of reactants present. This, in turn, affects the amount of energy required for the reaction to occur and therefore influences the enthalpy change. Generally, a higher concentration of HNO3 will result in a larger enthalpy change.

3. Can using HNO3 instead of HCl affect the overall energy of a system?

Yes, using HNO3 instead of HCl can affect the overall energy of a system. This is because the reactions involving these two acids have different enthalpy changes, and as a result, they will release or absorb different amounts of energy. This change in energy can impact the overall energy of the system.

4. How does the nature of the reactants influence the effect of using HNO3 instead of HCl?

The nature of the reactants plays a significant role in the effect of using HNO3 instead of HCl. Nitric acid and hydrochloric acid have different chemical properties, so using one instead of the other can lead to different reaction pathways and energy requirements. The nature of the other reactants involved in the reaction can also influence the overall effect on enthalpy changes.

5. Are there any safety concerns when using HNO3 instead of HCl?

Yes, there are safety concerns when using HNO3 instead of HCl. HNO3 is a strong oxidizing agent and can be corrosive and toxic, so it must be handled with care. It is important to follow proper safety precautions and protocols when working with either of these acids in the laboratory.

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