Temperature resulting from the formation of water

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the temperature resulting from the formation of water from hydrogen and oxygen gas, specifically focusing on the heat produced during this reaction. Participants explore the application of Hess's law, phase changes, and the specific heat capacities involved in the process.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates that the temperature rises to approximately 4000 degrees Celsius when four moles of water are formed, using Hess's law and the equation q=mCΔT.
  • Another participant notes that the calculation assumes water does not undergo a phase change, questioning the validity of reaching such a high temperature without considering the transition from liquid to gas.
  • A different participant suggests a method to account for the phase change by calculating the energy required to heat water to 100 degrees Celsius and then using the heat capacity for vapor water for the remaining energy.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of considering that specific heat is not temperature independent, especially for large temperature changes.
  • There is a brief exchange regarding the units of measurement, with some participants questioning the appropriateness of using Kelvin for heat calculations.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about the calculations and asks for clarification on the initial temperature and the heat capacity of water vapor as it changes with temperature.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the initial calculations of heat appear correct, but there is no consensus on how to properly account for phase changes and the resulting temperature. Multiple competing views on the methodology remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need to consider phase changes and the temperature dependence of specific heat in their calculations, but the exact methods for incorporating these factors remain debated.

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.

--
 
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?

--
 
  • #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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