Temperature resulting from the formation of water

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the temperature increase resulting from the formation of four moles of water (H2O) from hydrogen and oxygen gases. Using Hess's law, the energy released is calculated as 1143.2 KJ, leading to an initial temperature estimate of approximately 3797 degrees Celsius. However, participants highlight the necessity of accounting for phase changes, specifically the transition from liquid to vapor, which significantly impacts the final temperature calculation. The importance of using the correct heat capacities for both liquid and vapor water is emphasized, along with the need to consider the specific latent heat of vaporization.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hess's law and standard enthalpy of formation
  • Knowledge of heat capacity for both liquid and vapor water
  • Familiarity with phase changes and specific latent heat concepts
  • Basic proficiency in thermodynamic equations, particularly q=mCΔT
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the heat capacity of water vapor at varying temperatures
  • Study the specific latent heat of vaporization for water
  • Learn about phase change calculations in thermodynamics
  • Explore advanced applications of Hess's law in chemical reactions
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, thermodynamics enthusiasts, and professionals involved in chemical engineering or energy calculations will benefit from this discussion.

vjk2
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Basically, I need confirmation on the heat produced when four mole of H2O is produced from Hydrogen and oxygen gas.

I'm getting something ridiculous, basically saying that the temperature goes up to ~4000 degrees C.

What I'm doing is using Hess's law to find the energies of reaction. H2 and O2 gas result in 0 KJ/mol. H2O is -285.8 KJ/mol.

4 mols x 285.8 KJ/mol = 1143.2 KJ

I'm taking this and plugging it into the equation

q=mC<>T (change in Temperature)

so,

1143.2 = (18 g/mol H2O * 4 mol H2O = 72 g) * 4.18 j/(g*c) * <>T

<>T = 3797 degrees C

I know that when water forms from oxygen and hydrogen, the result is explosive, but thousands degrees C seems way too high. However...my logic seems right. Thoughts?
 
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Do not underestimate the amount of energy available in the bonds of water. If you conduct an experiment, you will be able to see that water is able to absorb and produce a large amount of heat in comparison to many other substances.

From your equations alone, it seems that there are no mistakes. HOWEVER, from your equation, it seems to assume that water rises 4000 degrees in temperature without undergoing a change in liquid to gaseous state. Remember that when you are finding a standard enthalpy of formation, you assume that the product is in it's standard state. The standard state for water is liquid. Does it make sense that water, starting from (0 or 25 degrees celsius, I am forgetful of the standard temperature) standard temperature to go to 4000 degrees without having any energy lost in a state change?
 
Yes, I've deduced that the phase change does take place.

The issue then is how to calculate it in. What I'm thinking is to

1. take the total energy released by the formation of water.

2. subtract from that figure the amount of energy required to heat water to 100 degrees C by using the equation q = (18*4)(4.18)(75)

3. take the remainder of energy and instead of using the 4.18 heat capacity figure for liquid water, use the heat capacity for vapor water.

Only problem is finding the heat capacity of vapor water.
 
vjk2 said:
Yes, I've deduced that the phase change does take place.

The issue then is how to calculate it in. What I'm thinking is to

1. take the total energy released by the formation of water.

2. subtract from that figure the amount of energy required to heat water to 100 degrees C by using the equation q = (18*4)(4.18)(75)

3. take the remainder of energy and instead of using the 4.18 heat capacity figure for liquid water, use the heat capacity for vapor water.

Only problem is finding the heat capacity of vapor water.

Dont forget the specific latent heat of vapourisation that is the energy needed to change unit mass of water to unit mass of steam at its boiling point.
 
Also to be precise in this type of calculations you should take into account fact that specific heat is not temperature independent. As long as delta T is in the range of several or even small tens of degress that's usually not a large problem, but when we are talking about temperature changes in the range hundreds or thousands degress, that has to be taken into consideration.

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This shouldn't be all that complicated. Can anyone here do it? I'm still stumped.
 
You were already told that your calculation of heat looks OK, so don't worry about temperature. Unless what you wrote in your first post

vjk2 said:
Basically, I need confirmation on the heat produced when four mole of H2O is produced from Hydrogen and oxygen gas.

was wrong.

--
methods
 
it's not okay. The answer is 6500. How do you factor in a phase change?
 
6500 of what? Stones per yard squared?

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  • #10
kelvin, obviously.
 
  • #11
So you are trying to calculate heat produced, and you want answer in Kelvins?

--
methods
 
  • #12
Umm... just by looking at the initial post, I'd have to say, check your units. Especially the units of energy. I don't think that the problem requires knowledge of heat of vaporization at all.
 
  • #13
Never mind, the units look good. Guess I should open the calculator BEFORE posting so the inside of my mouth doesn't taste like boot? Hmmm... Everything that needs to be done has been said, but two questions pop up. Do you have an initial temperature, and how are you supposed to get the water vapor's c if it changes as the temperature increases?
 

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