Chemistry Where am I wrong in calculating the heat of reaction for CH4 + 2O2?

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The heat of reaction for the combustion of methane (CH4 + 2O2 -> CO2 + 2H2O) cannot be accurately calculated without the heat of formation for CH4, which is essential for the ΔHrxn formula. The correct formula is ΔHrxn = ΣΔHf(products) - ΣΔHf(reactants), where the heat of formation for CO2 is -393.5 kJ/mol and for H2O is -285.8 kJ/mol. The heat of formation for O2 is zero, but the heat of formation for CH4 must be included for an accurate calculation. The discussion highlights the importance of using standard states for the elements involved in the reaction. Understanding these principles clarifies the calculation process for the heat of reaction.
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Homework Statement
given:
C + 2H2 -> CH4 What is the heat of reaction
Relevant Equations
C + O2 -> CO2 delta H = -393.5 kJ/mole
H2 + 1/2 O2 -> H2O delta H = -285.8 kJ/mole

CH4 + 2Os -> CO2 + 2H2O delta H = ?????

the book says delta H = -890.8 kL/mole
Since the heat of formtion of H2O is -285.8 and the heat of formation of CO2 is -393.5 I thought that the heat of reaction CH4 + 2O2
should be -393.5 + 2(-285.80 = -965.1

Where am I wrong?
 
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This is way too messy to follow, can you please relist given equations and the target one?
 
Lets put it this way...
What is the heat of reaction for this equaiton.

CH4 + 2O2 -> CO2 + 2H2O delta H = ?

The heat of formation of CO2 is -393.5
The heat of formation of H2O is -285.8
 
Not enough information, you need data related to CH4 to answer.
 
The heat of formation is the enthalpy change when you create a mole of substance from it's elements (atoms), or vice versa.
So first you need to compute the enthalpy change from CH4 and O2 to C,H and O. Then you need the enthalpy change from C,H,O to CO2 and H2O.
 
ΔHrxn = ΣΔHf(products) - ΣΔHf(reactants)
So ΔHrxn = ΔHf(CO2) + 2ΔHf(H2O) - ΔHf(CH4)
(ΔHf(O2) is of course zero.)
(Oh, and by the way, heat of formation is from elements in their standard states - not from atoms when this is not the standard state. So from C(s), H2 and O2, not C(g), H and O.)
 
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I now understand, Thanks all.
 
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