Grade 8

Grade 8Thermochemistry and energy transformation


Heat and Enthalpy Changes


Introduction

Thermochemistry is the study of the temperature changes that accompany chemical reactions and physical changes of state. It is a branch of thermodynamics, and it focuses on the concepts of heat and energy exchange. Here, we will mainly discuss heat and enthalpy changes during chemical reactions and the theories that help explain these phenomena.

What is heat?

Heat in the context of science means the transfer of energy from one body or system to another due to a difference in temperature. It flows from a hot object to a cold object. For example, if you touch a hot mug of coffee, the heat will transfer from the mug to your hand.

Visual example of heat transfer:

The red square (more heat) transfers heat to the blue square (cooler object), until their temperatures become equal or nearly equal over time.

Understanding enthalpy

The term "enthalpy" is a little tricky to understand, but it can be simplified as the heat content of a system. Symbolized as H, enthalpy is the amount of energy available to do work in a system.

In mathematical terms, enthalpy combines the internal energy (E) of a system with the work done on its environment by the pressure of the system. It is given by the equation:

H = E + P*V

Here, P stands for pressure, and V stands for volume.

Heat and enthalpy changes in reactions

During chemical reactions, bonds are broken in the reactants, and new bonds are formed in the products. These processes involve energy transformations. If a reaction releases heat, it is exothermic, and if it absorbs heat, it is endothermic.

Exothermic reaction example

The combustion of a hydrocarbon is a classic example of an exothermic reaction:

CH 4 + 2O 2 → CO 2 + 2H 2 O + energy

Here, methane (CH 4 ) burns in oxygen to form carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), water (H 2 O), and release energy as heat.

Visual example for an exothermic reaction:

Reactants Products The heat continues

Endothermic reaction examples

An example of an endothermic reaction is the photosynthesis process:

6CO 2 + 6H 2 O + energy → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6O 2

In photosynthesis, plants absorb sunlight (energy) to convert carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and water (H 2 O) into glucose (C 6 H 12 O 6 ) and oxygen (O 2 ).

Visual example for an endothermic reaction:

Reactants Products Absorbed heat

How to calculate heat and enthalpy change?

In thermochemistry, calculating the heat or enthalpy change of a reaction requires a balance between the energy needed to break bonds and the energy released in forming new bonds. To perform the calculation, the following general steps are usually followed:

  1. Identify the reactants and products.
  2. Use the standard enthalpy formation value for each substance, commonly found in tables.
  3. Apply the formula for the enthalpy change to the reaction:
ΔH = ΣH products - ΣH reactants

where ΔH is the change in enthalpy.

Illustration in an example calculation

Let's illustrate the calculation of enthalpy for a simple hypothetical reaction:

A + B → C + D

Assume H values for the reactants and products as follows:

  • A : +50 kJ/mol
  • B : +30 kJ/mol
  • C : +20 kJ/mol
  • D : +40 kJ/mol

Use of the formula:

ΔH = (H C + H D ) - (H A + H B )
ΔH = (20 + 40) - (50 + 30)
ΔH = 60 - 80
ΔH = -20 kJ/mol

Negative ΔH indicates an exothermic reaction.

Bond enthalpy and heat calculations

The strength of chemical bonds can be expressed in terms of bond enthalpy. During a reaction, calculating energy involves taking the bond enthalpy into account. For example, the energy change in a simple diatomic molecule such as the breaking and formation of hydrogen can be calculated:

H 2 + Cl 2 → 2HCl

Bond enthalpy can be:

  • H-H bond: 436 kJ/mol
  • Cl-Cl bond: 243 kJ/mol
  • H–Cl bond: 431 kJ/mol

The enthalpy change (ΔH) can be calculated by adding the bond energies of the bonds being broken and subtracting the bond energies of the bonds being formed:

ΔH = (HH + Cl-Cl) - 2*(H-Cl)
ΔH = (436 + 243) - 2*431
ΔH = 679 - 862
ΔH = -183 kJ/mol

Here, it is an exothermic reaction. Bond energy calculations help predict the energy changes involved in reactions.

Role of calorimeter in measuring heat changes

Calorimeters are instruments used to measure the heat absorbed or released in chemical and physical processes. They provide a controlled environment, and they are important tools in thermochemistry. For example, a simple coffee cup calorimeter can be used to study exothermic and endothermic reactions that occur in solution.

Example of a coffee cup calorimeter test

Consider the neutralization reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH):

HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H 2 O(l) + energy

Observe the change in temperature using a calorimeter and calculate the energy using the formula:

q = m * c * ΔT

Where:

  • q = heat absorbed/released
  • m = mass of the substance
  • c = specific heat capacity
  • ΔT = change in temperature

Factors affecting heat and enthalpy changes

Many factors can affect the heat and enthalpy of reactions such as:

  1. Nature of reactants and products: Different substances have different enthalpies.
  2. Physical states: In solids, liquids, and gases the heat absorbed or released is different.
  3. Concentration and pressure: The heat of reactions may vary with concentration or pressure.
  4. Temperature: Higher temperatures can speed up reactions that affect temperature changes.

Conclusion

It is important to understand heat and enthalpy changes in chemical reactions. These concepts help explain the energetic aspect of reactions and provide fundamental knowledge in chemistry. Practical applications include energy production, material synthesis, and understanding natural processes.

Key points to remember

  • Heat is the transfer of energy due to a difference in temperature.
  • Enthalpy refers to the heat content of a system.
  • Exothermic reactions release heat, endothermic reactions absorb heat.
  • Calorimeter is used to measure temperature change.
  • By calculating ΔH the energy exchange of a reaction can be predicted.

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