How can I calculate heat of combustion and enthalpy using Hess's Law?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the heat of combustion and enthalpy using Hess's Law. Participants explore the definitions and implications of heat of combustion and enthalpy, as well as the calculations involved in these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the meaning of the heat of combustion of CH4, asking if burning 1 kg of CH4 produces 50.09 MJ.
  • Another participant inquires about the enthalpy of water, suggesting that combining hydrogen and oxygen results in an explosion releasing 285.88 kJ.
  • The initial calculations presented by the first participant show a discrepancy between the calculated heat of combustion and the combined enthalpy values for water and CO2.
  • One participant suggests checking the phase of water (liquid vs vapor) as a potential source of error.
  • A later reply indicates that the phase of water accounts for only part of the difference and points out the need to subtract the heat of formation of methane from the calculations.
  • Another participant recommends reviewing Hess's Law and provides a formula for calculating heat of reaction based on enthalpies of formation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the calculations and the factors affecting the heat of combustion and enthalpy, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential limitations in the calculations, such as the phase of water and the heat of formation of methane, but do not resolve these issues.

Stephanus
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Dear PF Forum,
I have read this link in Wiki.
But I don't understand what it means. Can someone help me?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_of_combustion
A: Heat of combustion of CH4 is 50.09 MJ/kg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_enthalpy_change_of_formation_(data_table)
B: Enthalpy of water: -285.88 KJ/mol
C: Enthalpy of CO2: -393.509 KJ/mol

Then, I'll try to do a simple calculation.

A: CH4 heat of combustion is 50.09 MJ/kg.
What does it mean?
Does it mean that if we burn 1 kg of CH4 completely
CH4 + 2O2 -> CO2 + 2H2O
It will produce 50.09 mega joules?

B: Enthalpy of water is 285.88 kj/mol
What does it mean?
If we combine 2 moles of Hydrogen and 1 moles of Oxygen, it will explode and gives 285.88 kilo joules?

C: Then I did some calculation...
The heat of combustion of
1 moles CH4 + 2 moles O2 -> 1 moles CO2 + 2 moles H2O
16 gr CH4 + 32 gr O2 -> 44 gr CO2 + 36 gr H2O will gives 50.09 MJ/kg * 16 gr = 801.44 KJ

The enthalpy of
1 moles H2O: -285.88 KJ
1 moles CO2: -393.519 KJ

Combining those two:
2 moles H2O: -571.76 KJ/mol
1 moles CO2: -393.519 KJ/mol
= 965.269 KJ

801.44 KJ ≠ 965.269 KJ

Where did I go wrong?
Or my understanding of the concept of heat combustion and enthalpy is wrong.
Thanks for any answer.
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
Check the "phase" of water (liq/vap).
 
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Bystander said:
Check the "phase" of water (liq/vap).
Of course. Thanks. The numbers are close now.
 
Stephanus said:
Of course. Thanks. The numbers are close now.
Liquid water vs water vapor accounts for only about half the difference. You also forgot to subtract the heat of formation of methane, which is -75 kJ/mole.

Chet
 
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You might also read about Hess's Law Equation. That is, if you haven't already done so. Heat of Rxn (or, Heat of Combustion in this case) = (Sum of Enthalpies of Formation of Products) - (Sum of Enthalpies of formation of Reactants) Google 'Enthalpy of Formation Tables' You'll get many 'energy of formation' values to apply.
 
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