How can I apply Hess's Law to solve a thermodynamics homework problem?

AI Thread Summary
To apply Hess's Law for the reaction N2O(g) + NO2(g) --> 3NO(g), start by correctly balancing the given reactions. The first step involves rewriting the equations accurately, ensuring that all reactants and products are properly accounted for. Then, systematically manipulate these equations—such as reversing or multiplying them—to eliminate unwanted species and achieve the desired reaction. The key is to combine the enthalpy changes (∆H) of the manipulated equations to find the overall ∆H for the target reaction. A methodical approach, rather than guesswork, is essential for solving the problem effectively.
courtrigrad
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Hello all

Given

(a) N2(g) + O2(g) --> 2NO(g) ∆H = + 180. 7 kJ

(b) 2NO(g) +O2(g) --> 2NO2(g) ∆H = -113.1 kJ

(c) 2N20(g) --> 2N2(g) --> O2(g) ∆H = -163.2 kJ

Desired Reaction: N2O (g) + NO2(g) --> 3NO (g)

Can someone please tell me where to start? How do I apply Hess's Law? I know I have to work backwards. However, how do I do this in a systematic way?

Any help is appreciated

Thanks
 
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courtrigrad said:
Hello all

Given

(a) N2(g) + O2(g) --> 2NO(g) ∆H = + 180. 7 kJ

(b) 2N)(g) +O2(g) --> 2NO2(g) ∆H = -113.1 kJ

(c) 2NO2(g) --> 2N2(g) --> O2(g) ∆H = -163.2 kJ

Desired Reaction: N2O (g) + NO2(g) --> 3NO (g)

Can someone please tell me where to start? How do I apply Hess's Law? I know I have to work backwards. However, how do I do this in a systematic way?

Any help is appreciated

Thanks

please rewrite the equations. Just look at B), for instance, it's not even balanced... and C makes no sense since how can you get O2 from 2 N2...
 
A good place would be to state the equations correctly:
N_{2}+O_{2}\rightarrow 2NO (\Delta H)_{1}=+180.7 kJ

2NO+O_{2}\rightarrow 2NO_{2} (\Delta H)_{2}=-113.1 kJ

2NO_{2}\rightarrow N_{2}+2O_{2} (\Delta H)_{3}=-67.6 kJ

Now,which is the quantity u want to compute and what's the reaction u wish to get??

Daniel.
 
I want to compute ∆H for

N2O (g) + NO2(g) --> 3NO (g)
 
I think C should be 2 N2O(g) -> 2N2(g) + O2(g)...

Balance the reactions so that you will get rid of the unwanted reactants or products... For instance, N2 + O2 -> 2NO

you you might want to multiply the reaction by 2 since N2 is not wanted and there's an N2 in reaction C of the product. I am assuming you know they will cancel out when added together...
 
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yes but is there an actual method to solve the problem? Or do you have to just guess and check?
 
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