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Ch.5 - Thermochemistry
Chapter 5, Problem 86

(a) The nitrogen atoms in an N2 molecule are held together by a triple bond; use enthalpies of formation in Appendix C to estimate the enthalpy of this bond, D(N‚N). (b) Consider the reaction between hydrazine and hydrogen to produce ammonia, N2H41g2 + H21g2¡2 NH31g2. Use enthalpies of formation and bond enthalpies to estimate the enthalpy of the nitrogen– nitrogen bond in N2H4. (c) Based on your answers to parts (a) and (b), would you predict that the nitrogen–nitrogen bond in hydrazine is weaker than, similar to, or stronger than the bond in N2 ?

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Enthalpy of Formation

Enthalpy of formation is the change in enthalpy when one mole of a compound is formed from its elements in their standard states. It is a crucial concept in thermodynamics, allowing chemists to calculate the energy changes associated with chemical reactions. By using standard enthalpies of formation, one can estimate the overall enthalpy change for a reaction, which is essential for understanding bond energies and stability.
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Bond Enthalpy

Bond enthalpy, or bond dissociation energy, is the energy required to break one mole of a specific type of bond in a gaseous molecule. It provides insight into the strength of chemical bonds; higher bond enthalpies indicate stronger bonds. In the context of the question, comparing the bond enthalpy of the nitrogen-nitrogen bond in N2 and N2H4 helps assess the relative stability and reactivity of these molecules.
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Triple Bond Characteristics

A triple bond consists of one sigma bond and two pi bonds, resulting in a strong interaction between two atoms, as seen in N2. This type of bond is characterized by its high bond enthalpy, making it one of the strongest types of covalent bonds. Understanding the nature of triple bonds is essential for predicting the behavior of nitrogen-containing compounds and their reactivity in chemical reactions.
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