What is the Standard Enthalpy Change for the Reaction 4NH3 + 3O2 --> 2N2 + 6H2O?

[jumbogala]

Homework Statement

Determine the standard enthalpy change for the reaction below.

4NH₃ + 3O₂ --> 2N₂ + 6H₂O

Given:
Standard heat of formation of NH₃: -45.9 kJ/mol

Standard heat of formation of H₂O: -285.83 kJ/mol

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I had this question on a quiz and got points taken off, but I can't figure out why. Here's my solution:

{ (6 x -285.83 kJ/mol) + (2 x 0) } - { (3 x 0) + (4 x -45.9 kJ/mol)} = -1531 kJ/mol

 

[alxm]

Because the standard heat of formation of gaseous water is -241.826 kJ/mol.
I'm not sure where you got the -285.83 from, but I believe it's the liquid value.

 

[Borek]

Reaction (as entered) doesn't state whether it should be gaseous or liquid water. My thermo is somewhat rusty, but isn't standard state of water liquid?

 

[alxm]

Reaction (as entered) doesn't state whether it should be gaseous or liquid water. My thermo is somewhat rusty, but isn't standard state of water liquid?

It is. But it wouldn't be wrong then! :)

I assumed the gas-phase states since, well, it's a gas-phase reaction.
If the problem was stated without specifying H2O (l) or H2O (g) then either would be correct, depending on whether you mean the 'standard enthalpy' in the strict sense, or the 'reaction enthalpy at standard pressure and temperature'.

 

[Borek]

There is always a slight possibility that there was a mistake in the test

 

[jumbogala]

Just to clarify, the reaction was wriiten without states in the problem, and there were no states specified in the heat of formation given either.

Was I supposed to divide the value I got by four?

 

[Borek]

That would be enthalpy change for a mole of ammonia, not for the reaction as written. I am not sure if there exeist some precise convention, I have seen it discussed (without any decisive conclusions) by chemistry teachers.

 

[jumbogala]

Yeah, I always thought you didn't divide by anything when it was for an actual reaction. It wouldn't make sense here because it doesn't specify per mole of ammonia vs. per mole of oxygen.

Anyways, thanks for your help.