Topic 8 - Energetics I Flashcards
What is enthalphy change?
The heat change in a reaction at constant pressure.
What is the symbol for enthalpy change?
ΔH
What is the unit for enthalpy change?
kJ/mol
What is the symbol ΔH° used for?
- Enthalpy change under standard conditions and with the elements in their standard state
- The ° indicates this (a circle with a line through it).
What are standard states of elements?
Their physical states under standard conditions.
What are standard conditions?
- 100kPa (about 1 atm)
* Specified pressure (normally 298K)
What is an exothermic reaction?
One that gives out heat energy.
What happens to the temperature of the system in an exothermic reaction?
It goes up.
Give an example of an exothermic reaction.
Combustion of a fuel.
What is an endothermic reaction?
One that takes in heat energy.
What happens to the temperature of the system in an endothermic reaction?
It goes down.
Give an example of an endothermic reaction.
Thermal decomposition of CaCO3.
What is an enthalpy level diagram?
A diagram that shows the relative energies of the reactants and products in a reaction.
Describe what an enthalpy level diagram looks like.
- Enthalpy on the y-axis, no x-axis
- Horizontal line for reactants and products -> No line joining the two
- Arrow between the two lines, showing ΔH
What is another name for an enthalpy level diagram?
Energy level diagram
How does enthalpy relate to how stable a substance is?
The lower a substance’s enthalpy, the more stable it is.
Describe the enthalpy level diagram for an exothermic reaction.
- Reactants line above products line
* Downwards arrow between the two, showing ΔH
Describe the enthalpy level diagram for an endothermic reaction.
- Reactants line below products line
* Upwards arrow between the two, showing ΔH
What is a reaction profile diagram?
A diagram used to show how enthalpy changes throughout a reaction.
Describe what a reaction profile diagram looks like.
- Enthalpy on y-axis, Progress of reaction on x-axis
- Horizontal line for reactants and products
- Curve between the two -> Peak up to activation, then falls to products
- Arrow up to peak = Activation energy (Ea)
- Arrow from reactants to products = ΔH
What is the activation energy of a reaction?
The energy that must be supplied to break bonds in the reactants and start a chemical reaction.
What is the symbol for activation energy?
Ea
What is the ΔH value for an exothermic reaction?
Negative
What is the ΔH value for an endothermic reaction?
Positive
Describe the reaction profile diagram for an endothermic reaction.
- Products line is above reactants line
- Curve from reactants to peak above products, then falls to products
- Arrow upwards from reactants to products, showing ΔH
- Arrow upwards from reactants to peak, showing Ea
Describe the reaction profile diagram for an exothermic reaction.
- Products line is below reactants line
- Curve from reactants to peak above products, then falls further to products
- Arrow downwards from reactants to products, showing ΔH
- Arrow upwards from reactants to peak, showing Ea
How is the stability of a substance shown on an enthalpy level diagram or reaction profile diagram and why is this?
- The height of the reactants or products line shows the how unstable a substance is.
- Because a higher enthalpy corresponds with a low stability.
In an exothermic reaction, are the reactants or products more stable?
Products (since they have a lower enthalpy)
In an endothermic reaction, are the reactants or products more stable?
Reactants (since they have a lower enthalpy)
Looking at an enthalpy level diagram and reaction profile diagram, how can you find the:
• Activation energy
• Enthalpy change
ENTHALPY LEVEL DIAGRAM:
• Activation energy -> Can’t be found!
• Enthalpy change -> From reactants to products line
REACTION PROFILE DIAGRAM:
• Activation energy -> From reactants line to peak of curve
• Enthalpy change -> From reactants to products line
Can you measure the actual enthalpy of a system?
No, only the enthalpy change of a reaction.
Why must enthalpy change be measured under standard conditions?
Changes in enthalpy are affected by temperature and pressure.
What is 298K in *C?
25*C
What are the different types of enthalpy change?
- Standard enthalpy change of reaction
- Standard enthalpy change of formation
- Standard enthalpy change of combustion
- Standard enthalpy change of neutralisation
What is the standard enthalphy of reaction?
The enthalpy change when the reaction occurs in the molar quantities shown in the chemical equation, under standard conditions.
What is the standard enthalpy of formation?
The enthalpy change when 1 mole of a ompound is formed from its constituent elements in their standard states, under standard conditions.
Give an equation for the standard enthalpy of formation of ethanol.
2C (s) + 3H2 (g) + 1/2O2 (g) -> C2H5OH (l)