Valence Bond Theory: Energy of a system with H and Cl atoms

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the energy of a system composed of hydrogen (H) and chlorine (Cl) atoms, particularly focusing on the potential energy curve as a function of the distance between the atoms. Participants explore concepts related to valence bond theory, bond energy calculations, and the enthalpy of reactions involving HCl. The scope includes theoretical reasoning and mathematical formulations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the potential energy curve for H-Cl, noting that it decreases as the atoms approach each other until a minimum is reached, after which repulsion increases the energy.
  • The bond energy for H-Cl is stated to be approximately 431 kJ/mol, with calculations provided for breaking a single bond based on Avogadro's number.
  • Another participant questions the source of the bond energy for diatomic hydrogen, noting a discrepancy with their own reference, which cites 432 kJ/mol.
  • There is a request for clarification on how to draw the potential energy curve based on the qualitative description provided.
  • Two participants raise questions about the relevance of the discussion to valence bond theory and the inclusion of Ito calculus formulas, indicating confusion about the connection.
  • One participant criticizes the size and clarity of another's signature containing Ito calculus formulas, suggesting it is misleading.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the reasoning presented in the initial post regarding the potential energy curve and bond energy calculations. However, there is disagreement regarding the sources of bond energy values, and the relevance of Ito calculus to the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the bond energies and the application of Hess's law are not explicitly stated, and the discussion does not resolve the connection between the main topic and Ito calculus.

WMDhamnekar
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Homework Statement
Draw a curve that describes the energy of a system with H and Cl atoms at varying distances. Then, find the minimum energy of this curve two ways.
(a) Use the bond energy found in Table of representative bond energies and bond length to calculate the energy for one single HCl bond (Hint: How many bonds are in a mole?)
(b) Use the enthalpy of reaction and the bond energies for ##H_2## and ##Cl_2## to solve for the energy of one mole of HCl bond## H_2(g) + Cl_2(g) \rightleftharpoons 2HCl (g) \Delta H^{\circ}_{rxn} =-184.7 kJ/mol ##
Relevant Equations
no relevant equation
Answer:
The energy of a system with H and Cl atoms at varying distances can be represented by a curve that shows the potential energy of the system as a function of the distance between the two atoms. At very large distances, the potential energy is zero because there is no interaction between the atoms. As the atoms get closer together, they start to attract each other and the potential energy decreases. At some point, the potential energy reaches a minimum value, which corresponds to the most stable configuration of the system. This is the bond length of the H-Cl molecule. If the atoms get even closer together, they start to repel each other and the potential energy increases again.

(a) According to my sources, the bond energy for H-Cl is 431 kJ/mol. This means that it takes 431 kJ of energy to break one mole of H-Cl bonds. Since there are Avogadro's number (6.022 x 1023) of molecules in one mole, this means that it takes 431 kJ / (6.022 x 1023 )= 7.16 x 10-19 kJ to break a single H-Cl bond.

(b) The enthalpy of reaction for H2(g) + Cl2(g) ##\rightleftharpoons 2HCl (g)## is given as -184.7 kJ/mol. This means that when one mole of H2 reacts with one mole of Cl2 to form two moles of HCl, 184.7 kJ of heat is released. We can use Hess's law and the bond energies for H2 and Cl2 to solve for the bond energy of HCl.

Let's say that the bond energy for H2 is D{H-H} and for Cl2 is D{Cl-Cl}. The bond energy for HCl can be represented as D{H-Cl}. The enthalpy change for breaking one mole of H2 bonds and one mole of Cl2 bonds can be written as D{H-H} + D{Cl- Cl}. The enthalpy change for forming two moles of HCl bonds can be written as -2D{H-Cl}. According to Hess's law, we can write an equation for the enthalpy change of reaction as:

##\Delta H^°_{rxn} = (D_{H-H} + D_{Cl-Cl}) + (-2D_{H-Cl})##

Substituting the known values into this equation, we get:

##-184.7 = (D_{H-H} + D_{Cl-Cl}) + (-2D_{H-Cl})##

Rearranging this equation and solving for D{H-Cl}, we get:

##D_{H-Cl} = \frac{1}{2}(D_{H-H} + D_{Cl-Cl} - (-184.7))##

According to my sources, the bond energy for H2 is 432 kJ/mol and for Cl2 is 243 kJ/mol. Substituting these values into our equation, we get:

##D_{H-Cl} = \frac{1}{2}(432 + 243 - (-184.7)) = \frac{1}{2}(859.7) = 429.85 \text{ kJ/mol}##

So, using this method we find that the bond energy for HCl is approximately 429.85 kJ/mol.

How to draw a curve?

Is this answer correct?
 
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FWIW my CRC (old) shows 432 KJ/mol for diatomic hydrogen ... what is your source? @TeethWhitener should have an authoritative source. Then we can go on from there.
 
It looks like everything in OP is fine. The reasoning in part a) is good. How would you draw a curve given the qualitative description you’ve written?
 
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How is this question related to VB theory and why does it contain formulas on Ito calculus?
 
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DrDu said:
How is this question related to VB theory and why does it contain formulas on Ito calculus?
My signature contains the formulas on Ito Calculus.

[Not any more; it has been deleted by the Mentors. Please see your PMs]
 
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jim mcnamara said:
FWIW my CRC (old) shows 432 KJ/mol for diatomic hydrogen ... what is your source? @TeethWhitener should have an authoritative source. Then we can go on from there.
1684342955606.png

1684342964636.png
 
WMDhamnekar said:
My signature contains the formulas on Ito Calculus.
And it is nonsensically large and misleading, I suggest you change it to something less intrusive.
 
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