Kirchhoff's Law (thermodynamics), change in heat capacity

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the standard enthalpy change (ΔH) for the reaction WCl4(g) + CH4(g) = WC(s) + 4HCl(g) at 25°C and 927°C using Kirchhoff's Law. Key data includes ΔH298 values and heat capacities (Cp) for each substance involved. Participants clarify the necessity of multiplying the heat capacity of HCl by 4 due to stoichiometry when calculating ΔCp. The applicability of the ΔH equation at elevated temperatures is also confirmed, emphasizing the need for careful analysis in accordance with Kirchhoff's Law.

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  • Understanding of standard enthalpy change (ΔH) and its calculation.
  • Familiarity with Kirchhoff's Law in thermodynamics.
  • Knowledge of heat capacity (Cp) and its role in thermodynamic equations.
  • Basic stoichiometry for chemical reactions.
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  • Study the application of Kirchhoff's Law in various thermodynamic scenarios.
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  • Explore the significance of temperature in enthalpy calculations.
  • Review examples of enthalpy change calculations in thermodynamics textbooks.
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Homework Statement


Calculate the standard enthalpy change (##\Delta H##) at 25 degrees Celsius and 927 degrees Cesius for the reaction,
WCl4(g) + CH4(g) = WC(s) + 4HCl(g)

Data:

WCl4(g): ##\Delta H298## = -336 kJ/mole; Cp (heat capacity at constant pressure) = 105.6 J/mol*K
HCl(g): ##\Delta H298## = -92.3 kJ/mole; Cp = 30.5 J/mol*K
CH4(g): ##\Delta H298## = -74.8 kJ/mole; Cp = 59.1 J/mol*K
WC(s): ##\Delta H298## = -40.2 kJ/mole; Cp = 46.5 J/mole*K

Homework Equations


##\Delta H(\text{final temp}) = \Delta H(\text{initial temp}) + \Delta Cp(\text{Tf - Ti})##
##\Delta Cp = \Sigma Cp(\text{products}) - \Sigma Cp(\text{reactants})##

The Attempt at a Solution


This is a take-home test, so it doesn't feel right getting help with the actual answer, but I have some specific questions I hope can be clarified for me:

1.) When calculating ##\Delta Cp##, do you multiply each component by the number of moles involved? For instance, for the HCl factor in ##\Delta Cp##, do you multiply Cp for HCl by 4? It seems like you should, but Cp stays in the same units, so the moles wouldn't cancel.

2.) Can I apply the equation for ##\Delta H## (of reaction at 927 degrees Celsius) as I have written above (as in, is it applicable as is, or do I need to do further analysis of this specific situation as Kirchhoff's Law applies?

Thanks!
 
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