Enthalpy of Combustion: Definition & Reactions

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SUMMARY

The enthalpy of combustion is defined as the heat change when one mole of a substance is completely burned or oxidized, as stated in both a textbook and an online source. The discussion highlights two definitions: one focusing on substances and the other on compounds. The reactions provided, H2(g) + 1/2 O2(g) → H2O and C(s) + O2(g) → CO2, raise questions about the applicability of the second definition to elemental substances. It is concluded that both definitions should encompass "substance or compound" for clarity.

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  • Understanding of thermodynamics principles
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  • Knowledge of combustion processes
  • Basic grasp of enthalpy concepts
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Hydrous Caperilla
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I got two definitions for this enthalpy:

I)Heat change when 1 mole of a substance is completely burned or oxidised(My textbook)
2) Heat change when 1 mole of compound is completely burnt or oxidized in oxygen(From a site)

So if I had this reaction:

H2(g)+1/2 O2(g)---->H20

C(s)+O2(g)------>CO2

How can definition number 2 work for these reactions where there is no compounds.
 
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Hydrous Caperilla said:
I got two definitions for this enthalpy:

I)Heat change when 1 mole of a substance is completely burned or oxidised(My textbook)
2) Heat change when 1 mole of compound is completely burnt or oxidized in oxygen(From a site)

So if I had this reaction:

H2(g)+1/2 O2(g)---->H20

C(s)+O2(g)------>CO2

How can definition number 2 work for these reactions where there is no compounds.
In either definition, they could have worded it "when 1 mole of a substance or compound...".
 
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