Chemical Energetics Flashcards
Define Enthalpy
The total thermal energy stored inside a chemical system is called the enthalpy. Enthalpy cannot be measured but enthalpy change can be measured when energy is transferred between the system and the surroundings.
Enthalpy is also sometimes called heat content.
What is enthalpy Change? ΔH?
The heat energy transferred during a chemical reaction.
What are the units of enthalpy change ΔH?
Kilojoules per mole. KJ mol l-1
Define a chemical system.
System refers to the reaction mixture containing reactant and product.
Define the chemical surroundings.
The surroundings is everythings outside the chemicals.
The surrounding includes:
*The solvent (e.g. water).
*The container/test tube itself.
*Anything dipping inside the reaction mixture (e.g a thermometer).
*The air around the container.
Define exothermic reactions
A reaction is exothermic when the products have less energy than the reactants and heat energy is given off by the reaction to the surroundings.
This means that:
the tempretaure of the inviroment increases-this can be measured by a thermometer.
The temperature of the system decreases.
Exothermic reaction is a bond forming process.
Exothermic reactions have a ΔH=-ive
Define Endothermic Reactions.
A reaction is endothermic when the products have more energy than the reactants and heat energy is absorbed from the surroundings.
This means that:
the tempreature of the envirmoent decreases-this can be measured by a thermometer.
The temperature of the system increases.
Endothermic reaction is a bond breaking process.
Exothermic reactions have a ΔH=+ve
Give examples of exothermic reactions.
Combustion of fuels
Neutralisation reactions
Respiration
Nucleur Reactions
Change of states from gases to liquids and solids.
Give examples of endothermic reactions:
Thermal Decomposition
Photosynthesis
Electrolysis
Change in state from solid to liquid to gas.
Which reaction type is more feasible?
(b/w exo or endo)
Exothermic reactions tends to be more feasible as no energy is required except activation energy.
Endothermic more feasible at higher temperatures as heat energy needed
Define activation energy
Activation energy is the minimumum energy that colliding particles must posses to break the bonds to start a chemical reaction.
Describe the value of the enthalpy change of activation energy.
Activation energy always has a positive value of ΔH because enough energy has to be absorbed to increase kinetic energy of the reactant molecules so that they collide with enough force to break the bonds.
Important tip for drawing reaction pathway diagrams (aka enthalpy profile diagrams):
Remember that the activation energy arrow should start at the level of the reactants and end at the highest point on the energy hump . When drawing the arrow for ΔH make sure that the arrow points downwards for an exothermic reaction and upwards for an endothermic reaction.
What is the transition state in energy level diagrams?
*The transition state is a stage during the reaction at which chemical bonds are partially broken and formed
*The transition state is very unstable – it cannot be isolated and is higher in energy than the reactants and products
*The activation energy (Ea) is the energy needed to reach the transition state
Which type of reaction has a lower activation energy?
B/W exo and endo
In an exothermic reaction, the reactants are higher in energy than the products
The reactants are therefore closer in energy to the transition state
This means that exothermic reactions have a lower activation energy compared to endothermic reactions
What is meant by standard enthalpy change?
To fairly compare the changes in enthalpy between reactions, all reactions should be carried out under standard conditions. These are:
* A pressure of 101Kpa (1atm)
* A temperature of 298K (25°C)
* Each substance involved in the reactions in its normal physical state (solid, gas and liquid).
What is the symbol for standard enthalpy change?
To show that a reaction has been carried out under standard conditions, the symbol is ⦵ used.
* ΔH^⦵=standard enthalpy change.
Define Standard enthalpy change of formation.
The enthalpy change when one mole of a compound is formed from its consitutent elements under standard conditions is called standard enthalpy change of formation.
What type of reaction is standard enthalpy change of formation?
B/W Exo and Endo
Standard enthalpy change of formation can be exothermic or endothermic.
If it is exothermic than the compound is stable.
If it is endothermic then the compound is unstable.
How can we calculate standard enthalpy changes of formation?
We cannot determine the value of enthalpy change of formation directly so we use different enthalpy changes in order to get the values.
Define standard enthalpy change of combustion.
The enthalpy change when one mole of a susbtance is completely burnt in excess oxygen under standard conditions is called standard enthalpy change of combustion.
substance=element or compound
What type of reaction is standard enthalpy change of combustion?
It is always exothermic.
What products are always released when any organic substance is combusted?
Whenever any organic substance (something containing carbon and hydrogen) is combusted it always gives off carbon dioxide and water.
Define the standard enthalpy change of atomistation.
The enthalpy change when 1 mole of gaseous atoms is formed from its constituent elements in standard state under standard conditions is called standard enthalpy change of atomisation.
What type of reaction is standard enthalpy change of atomisation?
b/w exo and endo
It is always endothermic because it is a bond breaking process.
What is the enthalpy change of atomisation of a diatomic molecule?
Enthalpy change of atomisation of a diatomic molecule/gas is half of its bond energy.
For e.g.
1/2 Cl^2(g)→Cl(g)
1/2Br^2(l)→Br(g)
1/2I^2(s)→I(g)
In what physical state can electron transfer occur?
Electron transfer can only take place when the atom is in a gaseous state.