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Ch.9 - Thermochemistry: Chemical Energy
Chapter 9, Problem 114

Calcualte ΔH° in kilojoules for the synthesis of lime (CaO) from limestone (CaCO3), the key step in the manufacture of cement. CaCO3(s) → CaO(s) + CO2(g) ΔH°f [CaCO3(s)] = -1207.6 kJ/mol ΔH°f [CaO(s)] = -634.9 kJ/mol ΔH°f [CO2(g)] = -393.5 kJ/mol

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Identify the chemical reaction: CaCO_3(s) \rightarrow CaO(s) + CO_2(g).
Use the formula for the standard enthalpy change of reaction: \( \Delta H^\circ = \sum \Delta H^\circ_f(\text{products}) - \sum \Delta H^\circ_f(\text{reactants}) \).
List the standard enthalpies of formation: \( \Delta H^\circ_f [CaCO_3(s)] = -1207.6 \text{ kJ/mol} \), \( \Delta H^\circ_f [CaO(s)] = -634.9 \text{ kJ/mol} \), \( \Delta H^\circ_f [CO_2(g)] = -393.5 \text{ kJ/mol} \).
Calculate the sum of the standard enthalpies of formation for the products: \( \Delta H^\circ_f [CaO(s)] + \Delta H^\circ_f [CO_2(g)] \).
Subtract the standard enthalpy of formation of the reactant from the sum of the products: \( (\Delta H^\circ_f [CaO(s)] + \Delta H^\circ_f [CO_2(g)]) - \Delta H^\circ_f [CaCO_3(s)] \).

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Key Concepts

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

Enthalpy of Formation (ΔH°f)

The enthalpy of formation (ΔH°f) is the change in enthalpy when one mole of a compound is formed from its elements in their standard states. It is a crucial value in thermodynamics, allowing chemists to calculate the energy changes associated with chemical reactions. In this question, the ΔH°f values for CaCO3, CaO, and CO2 are provided, which are essential for determining the overall reaction enthalpy.
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Hess's Law

Hess's Law states that the total enthalpy change for a reaction is the sum of the enthalpy changes for the individual steps, regardless of the pathway taken. This principle allows for the calculation of reaction enthalpies using known ΔH°f values. In the context of the given reaction, Hess's Law enables the determination of ΔH° for the decomposition of CaCO3 into CaO and CO2 by using the enthalpy values of the products and reactants.
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Standard State Conditions

Standard state conditions refer to the set of specific conditions (usually 1 atm pressure and a specified temperature, typically 25°C) under which thermodynamic measurements are made. These conditions provide a reference point for comparing the enthalpy of substances. In this question, the ΔH°f values are given under standard state conditions, which is essential for accurately calculating the enthalpy change for the reaction.
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