My answer key is wrong right? I can't get it right

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AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the mass of NH₄Cl needed to lower the temperature of 1100 mL of water from 26°C to 15°C. The initial calculation of 1.8 x 10² g was incorrect due to an oversight in considering the mass of the water-ammonium chloride solution rather than just the water. The correct approach involves using the heat of solution and accounting for the total mass of the solution, which was miscalculated. Participants noted that the density of water at 26°C is not exactly 1 g/cc, further complicating the calculations. The professor also acknowledged making a similar mistake during a demonstration, highlighting the importance of accurate calculations in thermodynamic processes.
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Homework Statement



You are planning a lecture demonstration to illustrate an endothermic process. You want to lower the temperature of 1100 mL water in an insulated container from 26C to 15C

Approximately what mass of NH₄Cl should you dissolve in the water to achieve this result? The heat of solution of NH₄Cl is +14.7kJ/mol NH₄Cl. Assume that the density of dilute is the same as that of water.

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried 1.8 x 102 g, but it is wrong.
 
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Show your work.
 
Q = mc\Delta T = (1100g)(4.18J g^-1 C^0^-1)(15C^0 - 26C^0) = -50kJ

50kJ/14kJ/mol = 3.4mol

3.4mol x (14g/mol + 4g/mol + 35.5g/mol) = 181.9g
 
flyingpig said:
Q = mc\Delta T = (1100g)(4.18J g^-1 C^0^-1)(15C^0 - 26C^0) = -50kJ
...
By rounding this intermediate result to -50kJ, you have reduced your answer by a little over 10%.
 
50578J/14700J = 3.44

3.44mol * 53.3g/mol = 184g

Which is still wrong
 
Where did that 1100 grams come from? Being perhaps a bit too pedantic, the density of water at 26°C is not 1 gram/cc.

Much more importantly, you are cooling the water-ammonium chloride solution, not just the water. This alone makes that 1100 gram figure incorrect and is the primary source of your error.
 
Lol our professor showed us how to do it today because even he got it wrong when he did it.
 
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