How do I know which enthelpy change to calculate?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Physicsman788
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Change
AI Thread Summary
Determining whether to find the enthalpy of combustion or the enthalpy of formation depends on the specific context of the question. The enthalpy of combustion refers to the energy change when one mole of a substance is completely burned in oxygen under standard conditions, while the enthalpy of formation is the energy change when one mole of a compound is formed from its elements in their standard states. Understanding the requirements of the question is crucial, as there is no universal approach; each scenario will dictate which enthalpy value is needed based on the substances involved and the reactions being considered.
Physicsman788
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
How do I know if I need to find the enthalpy of combustion or the enthalpy of formation? I know the equation to find the enthalpy change of each them but I don't know on a question if I have to find the enthalpy of combustion or the enthalpy of formation.
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
It must depend on the question, there is no "one size fits all" answer.
 
  • Like
Likes Chestermiller
The standard enthalpy change of combustion of a compound is the enthalpy change which occurs when one mole of the compound is burned completely in oxygen under standard conditions, and with everything in its standard state.

https://www.chemguide.co.uk/physical/energetics/definitions.html
 
It seems like a simple enough question: what is the solubility of epsom salt in water at 20°C? A graph or table showing how it varies with temperature would be a bonus. But upon searching the internet I have been unable to determine this with confidence. Wikipedia gives the value of 113g/100ml. But other sources disagree and I can't find a definitive source for the information. I even asked chatgpt but it couldn't be sure either. I thought, naively, that this would be easy to look up without...
I was introduced to the Octet Rule recently and make me wonder, why does 8 valence electrons or a full p orbital always make an element inert? What is so special with a full p orbital? Like take Calcium for an example, its outer orbital is filled but its only the s orbital thats filled so its still reactive not so much as the Alkaline metals but still pretty reactive. Can someone explain it to me? Thanks!!
Back
Top