Lewis structure and thermochemistry problems

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around problems related to Lewis structures and thermochemistry, specifically focusing on the Lewis structure of HOClO2 and a calorimetry calculation involving the formation of BaSO4 from BaCl2 and Na2SO4 solutions. Participants explore the correctness of statements regarding the Lewis structure and the calculation of heat released in a reaction.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the correctness of the Lewis structure for HOClO2, particularly regarding the formal charges and octet rule for chlorine.
  • Another participant suggests that multiple statements about the Lewis structure could be correct, indicating potential ambiguity in the problem.
  • Participants discuss the calculation of heat (q) in the calorimetry problem, with one participant initially using an incorrect approach by multiplying by the total moles of reactants.
  • A later reply clarifies that the total heat capacity should be used directly to calculate q, leading to a revised understanding of the heat per mole of BaSO4 formed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the Lewis structure statements, indicating that multiple interpretations may exist. There is also a lack of consensus on the initial calculation approach for the calorimetry problem, with some participants correcting earlier claims without establishing a definitive solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential misunderstandings regarding formal charges and octet rules in Lewis structures, as well as the correct application of heat capacity in thermochemical calculations. The discussion reflects ongoing refinement of ideas rather than settled conclusions.

staralfur
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Hi
I have a few questions that I have been working on but I don't get the right answer.


After drawing the Lewis dot structure of HOClO2, pick the incorrect statement of the following.
A. The oxygen bonded to the hydrogen has two lone pairs
B. the oxygens not bonded to hydrogen have three lone pairs
C. The O-Cl bonds are all double bonds.
D. The H-O bond is a single bond
E. Chlorine has a full octet.

The right answer is B.
I have been looking at this and I would have thought that this Lewis structure would be right as it has the lowest formal charge.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/86/Chloric-acid-2D.pngThe The formal Charge for all the atoms would be zero.

If there are only single bonds between the two oxygen and chlorine the formal charge for each of the two oxygen bonded to chlorine would be: 6-6-(1/2)*2=-1
and for the chlorine it would be: 7-2-(1/2)*6=2

I would have thought that the incorrect answer is B and E also because the chlorine would then have an expanded octet.

Am I wrong?
Isn't the most abundant structure the one with the lowest formal charge?

I have another question.

Two solutions, 50.0 mL of 1.00M BaCl2(aq) and 50.0mL of 1.00M Na2SO4(aq), both initially at 21.5 ˚C, are added to a calorimeter with a total heat capacity, after the solutions are added, of 1.10 kJ/˚C and the temperature rises to 22.7˚C. Determine the qrxn per mole of BaSO4(s) formed in the reaction.
Answer is: -26.4 kJ/mol

My solution:
0.05 moles of Ba2+ and 0.05 moles of SO42- make 0.05 mole of BaSO4(s).
q=n*c*∆T
q=0.1*1100*1.2=132 Joules per 0.05 moles of BaSO4(s) formed
132*1/(0.05)=2640 Joule/mole BaSO4.
What am i doing wrong here?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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staralfur said:
q=0.1*1100*1.2=132 Joules per 0.05 moles of BaSO4(s) formed
What's the point of multiplying by "0.1?"
 
A-E are not alternatives, so more than one of them can be right. And I think more than one is.
 
Bystander said:
What's the point of multiplying by "0.1?"
I thought it was 0.1 as 0.05+0.05=0.1 moles = total moles of reactants.
But I have figured this one out. it says the TOTAL heat capacity is 1100 joules so q=c*∆T = 1100*1.2=1320 Joules. So 1320 Joules for every 0.05 moles formed 1320*1/0.05=26400 Joules
 

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