CH095 Heats of Reaction

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HEATS OF REACTION
THEORY:
This experiment will serve as an introduction to Calorimetry. In this experiment we will
determine the net energy changes of three reactions and attempt to demonstrate a
relationship among the values. The first two reactions are neutralization reactions.

HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)

The hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, sodium chloride are strong electrolytes. We
can assume that in solution they are completely ionized. Thus:
H+(aq) + Cl-(aq) + Na+(aq) + OH-(aq) Na+(aq) + Cl-(aq) + H2O(l)

Since the Na+(aq) and Cl-(aq) are common to both sides, we can omit them. The net
ionic equation for the reaction is:
H+(aq) + OH-(aq) H2O(l)
We will carry out this reaction in two ways. By reacting solutions of hydrochloric acid
and sodium hydroxide and by reacting solid sodium hydroxide with a solution of
hydrochloric acid. We will also determine the net energy change of a physical process,
the dissolving of sodium hydroxide in water.
NaOH(s) = Na+(aq) + OH-(aq)
The net energy changes will be calculated and hopefully we will be able to see a
relationship among them.
Experimentally, thermochemical reactions are carried out in a calorimeter, a device that
attempts to isolate the reaction from its external environment. We can make up a
reasonably good calorimeter using two styrofoam cups placed in one another. They will
be covered with a plastic top and an additional piece of cardboard for insulation.
To be precise we would also have to consider the heat effect of the calorimeter itself. In
this experiment we will assume that this effect is minimal. Consequently, we will ignore
it.

CH095 Heats of Reaction

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PROCEDURE:
A. Determination of the Heat of Reaction of Aqueous Sodium Hydroxide and
Hydrochloric Acid.
1. Using a 100 mL graduated cylinder, measure out 100 mL of 0.500 mol/L HCl(aq)
into the calorimeter cup. Rinse the cylinder with water and NaOH(aq). Now
measure out 100 mL of 0.500 mol/L NaOH(aq). Record the temperatures of both
solutions to the nearest 0.1oC. They should be at or near room temperature.
Remember to rinse and dry the thermometer before transferring it from one
solution to the other.
2. Add the sodium hydroxide solution to the hydrochloric acid solution in the
calorimeter. Quickly place on the lid and cardboard cover and insert the
thermometer down into the solution. Swirl gently and record the highest
temperature reached. Pour the contents into the sink. Rinse out and dry the
inside of the calorimeter.

B. Determination of the Heat of Reaction of Solid Sodium Hydroxide in Hydrochloric

Acid Solution.
1. Rinse the 100 mL cylinder with water and the HCl(aq). Place 200 mL of 0.250
mol/L HCl(aq) into the calorimeter. Record the temperature when it has
stabilized.
2. Place a weighing boat on the pan balance and tare the balance. Add the pellets
of sodium hydroxide until the balance reads 1.95 g or one pellet less than 2.05 g.
(This step must be carried out with little delay as the sodium hydroxide is
hygroscopic and tends to readily pick up moisture from the atmosphere. Thus
the mass increases continuously and heat is lost.) Add the sodium hydroxide to
the calorimeter, cover it, stir continuously to aid dissolving, and again record the
highest temperature reached. Pour the contents down the sink. Rinse and dry
the inside of the calorimeter.

C. Determination of the Heat of Reaction of Solid Sodium Hydroxide and Water.

Repeat Part B, substituting 200 mL of distilled water for the hydrochloric acid.
Again record the highest temperature reached. Pour the contents of the
calorimeter down the sink. Rinse and dry the calorimeter. Return the calorimeter
apparatus.

CH095 Heats of Reaction

CALCULATIONS:
For the purposes of this lab we will assume that the specific heat of all the
solutions is the same as that of water, namely 4.19 J/g 0C. We will also assume
that the density of all the solutions is 1.00 g/mL. These are not necessarily valid
assumptions.

For each reaction A, B, and C write the balanced net ionic equation and calculate
the molar heat of each reaction in terms of sodium hydroxide. For convenience
express each to the nearest kilojoule. Then write the net energy change or H
value by each net ionic equation.
Try to determine and demonstrate a relationship among the three reactions and
three H values.
NOTE:
H =

H =

mc t
n
nH

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