6.8. state Hess’s law of constant heat summation.

Standard enthalpy of formation (ΔH0f ) is the

heat change when one mole of substance is
formed from its elements in their normal
states under standard conditions.

C(graphite)+ 2H2(g) → CH4(g) ΔH0f (CH4)= - 74.87kJ/mol

Hess’s law states that the total enthalpy
change for a chemical reaction is independent
of the route by which the reaction proceeds,
provided the initial and final conditions are the
same.
Hess’ law can be used to calculate the enthalpy of
formation indirectly from other knows standard
enthalpy changes.
1st. Write the equation for the enthalpy change of
formation.
2nd. Use given data to complete an energy cycle
3th. Apply Hess’ law.
4th. Calculate the enthalpy of formation using the
data provided .
 Hess’s law can be used to calculate enthalpy
changes which cannot be found directly by
experiment.
 An enthalpy cycle (Hess cycle) is constructed
as shown below:
ΔH0f(reactants) + ΔH(reaction) = ΔH0f(products)

ΔH(reaction) = ΔH0f(products) - ΔH0f(reactants)

 ƩΔHӨf(reactants) +ΔHӨr = ΔHӨf(product)
So, ΔHӨr = ΔHӨf(product) - ƩΔHӨf(reactants)
Calculate ∆HrӨ for the reaction:
SO2(g) + 2H2S(g) → 3S(s) 2H2O(l)

∆HFӨ (SO2(g)) = - 296.8 kJ.mol-1

∆HFӨ (H2S(g)) = - 20.6 kJ.mol-1
∆HFӨ (H2O(l)) = - 285.8 kJ.mol-1

The stages are:

 Write the balance equation.
 Draw the enthalpy cycle with the elements
at the bottom.
 Apply Hess’s law.
 ∆HrӨ

∆HFӨ (S O2(g))+2 ∆HFӨ (H2S (g))+ ∆HrӨ= 2∆HFӨ (H2O(l))

∆HrӨ = 2∆HFӨ (H2O(l))-[∆HFӨ (S O2(g))+2 ∆HFӨ

 ΔHӨr = ΔHӨf(product) - ΔHӨf(reactants)

According to Hess’s law:

S O2(g) + 2H2S (g) → 3S (s) 2H2O(l)

∆HrӨ = 2 x (-285.8) – [-296.8 + 2x(-20.6) ]

∆HrӨ = -233.6 kJ.mol-1

Calculate ∆HrӨ for the reaction:
3C (graphite) + 4H2(g) → C 3H8(g)
Substance Standard heat of
combustion / kJ.mol-1
H2(g) -285.8
C(s) -393.5
C3H8(g) -2219.2

∆HrӨ = - 104.5 kJ.mol-1

 Enthalpy change of formation refers to the
formation of 1mol of a compound from its
elements under standard conditions.
 Hess’ law states that the total enthalpy
change in a reaction is independent of the
route.
 Hess’ law can be used to calculate enthalpy
changes which cannot be determined
directly by experiment, e.g. ∆Hr, from ∆Hf
or ∆Hc of reactants and products.
 CHEMISTRY FOR CAPE. Page 113 -114

6. The enthalpy changes for two reactions are given

below:

2 Fe(s)+ 1½O2(g) → Fe2O3(s) Δ H0c = -822 kJ.mol-1

C(s) + ½ O2(g) → CO(g) Δ H0c = -110 kJ.mol -1
Calculate the enthalpy change for the following
reaction:
Fe2O3(s) + 3C(s) → 2Fe(s) + 3CO(g)
∆HrӨ = +492 kJ.mol-1
10. The standard enthalpy changes of formation of
carbon dioxide and water are -394 kJ/mol and
-86kJ/mol respectively. Calculate the enthalpy
change of formation of propyne given its enthalpy
change of combustion is -1940 kJ/mol.
∆HfӨ = +586 kJ.mol-1
The figures shows a diagram of the apparatus used by a
student to determine the enthalpy change of
combustion of ethanol. The heat produced by the
burning fuel warms a known mass of water. By
measuring the mass of fuel burnt and the temperature
rise of the water, it is possible to obtain an approximate
value for the enthalpy change of combustion of the fuel.

metal calorimeter

clamp

draught shield
a) How much heat is required to raise the temperature of
water from 12oC to 22oC? (This is the amount of heat
produced when 0.92g of ethanol burn.)
b) How much heat would be produced when 1 mol of
ethanol burns? (Call this heat of combustion of ethanol)
c) Why is the answer to (b) not described as the standard
enthalpy change of combustion of ethanol?
d) An accurate value for ∆Hco(C2H5OH) is -1368 kJ.mol-1.
Mention four serious errors in the simple experiment
which could be responsible for the poor result.
Answer:

a) Q= m x c x ∆T =
= 400 x 4.2 x 10 = 16 800 J = 16.8 kJ

b) n(C2H5OH) = 0.02 mol

c) The experiment is not carried out under standard

conditions.

d) Heat loss to the surroundings.

Heat loss to calorimeter and thermometer.
Incomplete combustion.
Evaporation of ethanol when not burning.
Water not stirred.
Loss of heat from water (ANY 4)