Standard Heat of Formation Question

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the standard heat of formation for acetaldehyde using the provided reaction and standard enthalpy values for water and carbon dioxide. Participants clarify that the heat of reaction can be calculated using the formula for standard heats of formation, which involves subtracting the enthalpy of reactants from that of products. There is some confusion regarding the state of water in the reaction, as it is specified as a liquid, which affects the calculations. The importance of ensuring the reaction is conducted under standard conditions (298K and 1 atm) is emphasized. Overall, the contributors aim to assist in understanding the calculation process despite initial uncertainties.
erok81
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Ok, on this one I have no idea where to start. I could do all the homework ones, but have no clue even where to start on this. To me it seems backwards, but who knows. Here is the question:
Calculate the standard heat of formation of acetaldehyde, CH_{3}CHO , given the following information:

CH_{3}CHO(g)+5/2O_{2}(g)\rightarrow2H_{2}0(l)+2CO_{2}(g)\triangle H=-1194kJ

\triangle H{_f^\circ}~H_{2}O (g) = -286 kJ/mol

\triangle H{_f^\circ}~CO_{2} (g) = -394 kJ/mol

I'd show what I have so far, but honestly I have no idea what I am doing with this one.

Thanks for the help.:biggrin:

I'll probably have to end up redoing the LaTeX stuff because I can never seem to get it to work. It always says reload page in a moment in the preview.:confused:
 
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Oooh, wait a second.:!)

Is it possible to just calculate the heat of reaction using the below equation, rather than breaking it into separate reactions?

\triangle H{_f^\circ}=\sum~n~\triangle H{_f^\circ}(products) ~-~\sum~m~\triangle H{_f^\circ}(reactants)

If so, do you just subtract the reactants from the products?

Or am I even more lost than I was when I first posted this?:confused:

If it is possible that way, I come up with:

[(2x-286)+(2x-394)] - [-1194+(5(0)] = -166kJ
 
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You have the equation/answer right, but make sure that the reaction was carried out in standard conditions. That reaction could be carried out in 300K and 200kPa for all we know. It's probably right anways. If it's not the case we have a whole can of worms to open here.

By the way, how do you use the equation writer in the forums?
 
you're answer seems fine, assuming that's gaseous water in the equation.
 
GCT said:
you're answer seems fine, assuming that's gaseous water in the equation.

Hmm...maybe I did it wrong then. Because in the original equation it says the water is a liquid. I shouldn't be too hard, it is only from Chem 1210. I don't get any points for it so if it's wrong, I'll find out on Tuesday.

Umabel said:
You have the equation/answer right, but make sure that the reaction was carried out in standard conditions. That reaction could be carried out in 300K and 200kPa for all we know. It's probably right anways. If it's not the case we have a whole can of worms to open here.
By the way, how do you use the equation writer in the forums?

It is most likely standard conditions, because there wasn't anything special listed in the question. Usually when it is something like that she lists it.

As far as writing equations, if you go to the main chemistry section, or any of the other sections, there are "stickeys" that have tutorials on how to use it. In the title is should have something to do with LaTeX. Although it usually takes me a few edits until I have the equation right.:smile:

Thanks for the help, both of you. It is nice when you actually get a problem right, when it seems like a difficult one. I thought I had no idea what I was doing with it.
 
Umabel said:
You have the equation/answer right, but make sure that the reaction was carried out in standard conditions. That reaction could be carried out in 300K and 200kPa for all we know. It's probably right anways. If it's not the case we have a whole can of worms to open here.

By the way, how do you use the equation writer in the forums?
standard condition means 298k and 1atm.are u sure it is 200kpa
 
Never said it was. You're right Shravan, it's 298K and 1atm.
 
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