Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Enthalpy of Formation
The standard enthalpy of formation is the change in enthalpy when one mole of a compound is formed from its elements in their standard states. For methane (CH4), this involves the reaction of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H2) to produce CH4. Understanding this concept is crucial for comparing the enthalpy changes in the given process and its reverse.
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Bond Energy
Bond energy is the amount of energy required to break a bond between two atoms. In the context of the methane molecule, extending the C—H bonds to infinity implies breaking these bonds, which requires energy input. This concept is essential for analyzing the energy changes associated with the hypothetical process described in the question.
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Thermodynamic Processes
Thermodynamic processes refer to the changes in energy and matter that occur during chemical reactions. The comparison of the hypothetical expansion of methane with the reverse reaction of its formation involves understanding how energy is absorbed or released in these processes. This concept helps in evaluating the overall energy balance and directionality of the reactions.
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First Law of Thermodynamics