Skip to main content
Ch.9 - Thermochemistry: Chemical Energy
Chapter 9, Problem 13

What is ΔH for the explosion of nitroglycerin? (LO 9.14) 2 C3H5(NO3)3(l) → 3 N2(g) + 1/2 O2(g) + 6 CO2(g) + 5 H2O(g) (a) −315.0 kJ (b) −4517 kJ (c) −3425 kJ (d) −3062 kJ
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the balanced chemical equation for the reaction: 2 C_3H_5(NO_3)_3(l) \rightarrow 3 N_2(g) + \frac{1}{2} O_2(g) + 6 CO_2(g) + 5 H_2O(g).
Determine the standard enthalpy of formation (\Delta H_f^\circ) for each reactant and product involved in the reaction. These values are typically found in a table of standard enthalpies of formation.
Use the formula for the standard enthalpy change of the reaction: \Delta H_{reaction}^\circ = \sum \Delta H_f^\circ (products) - \sum \Delta H_f^\circ (reactants).
Calculate the total \Delta H_f^\circ for the products by multiplying the \Delta H_f^\circ of each product by its stoichiometric coefficient and summing them up.
Calculate the total \Delta H_f^\circ for the reactants in a similar manner, and then subtract the total \Delta H_f^\circ of the reactants from the total \Delta H_f^\circ of the products to find \Delta H_{reaction}^\circ.

Verified Solution

Video duration:
5m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Enthalpy Change (ΔH)

Enthalpy change (ΔH) is a measure of the heat content of a system at constant pressure. It indicates whether a reaction is exothermic (releases heat, ΔH < 0) or endothermic (absorbs heat, ΔH > 0). In the context of chemical reactions, calculating ΔH helps predict the energy changes associated with the formation or breaking of bonds during the reaction.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:34
Enthalpy of Formation

Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry involves the calculation of reactants and products in chemical reactions based on balanced chemical equations. It allows chemists to determine the proportions of substances consumed and produced, which is essential for calculating the enthalpy change of a reaction. In this case, the stoichiometric coefficients from the balanced equation for nitroglycerin decomposition are crucial for determining the total energy change.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:16
Stoichiometry Concept

Standard 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. This value is used to calculate the overall ΔH for a reaction by applying Hess's law, which states that the total enthalpy change for a reaction is the sum of the enthalpy changes for individual steps. Knowing the standard enthalpies of formation for the reactants and products allows for accurate ΔH calculations.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:34
Enthalpy of Formation
Related Practice
Textbook Question

When 12.5 g of NH4NO3 is dissolved in 150.0 g of water of 25.0 °C in a coffee cup calorimeter, the final temperature of the solution of 19.7 °C. Assume that the specific heat of the solution is the same as that of water, 4.18 J/(g•°C). What is the ΔH per mol of NH4NO3? (LO 9.10) NH4NO3 (s) → NH4+ (aq) + NO3−(aq) ΔH = ? (a) +3.60 kJ (b) +23.0 kJ (c) +21.3 kJ (d) −3.60 kJ

2940
views
Textbook Question
Calculate the enthalpy change for the reaction C(s) + 2 H2(g) → CH4(g) ΔH = ? Given the enthalpy values for the following reactions CH4(g) + 2 O2(g) → CO2(g) + 2 H2O(l) ΔH = −890.4 kJ C(s) + O2(g) → CO2(g) ΔH = −393.5 kJ H2(g) + 1/2 O2(g) → H2O (g) ΔH = −285.8 kJ (a) −1569.7 kJ (b) +211.1 kJ (c) −1855.5 kJ (d) −74.7 kJ
4123
views
Textbook Question
A table of standard enthalpies of formation (ΔH°f) gives a value of −467.9 kJ/mol for NaNO3(s). Which reaction has a ΔH° value of −467.9 kJ? (a) Na+ (aq) + NO3−(aq) → NaNO3(s) (b) Na(s) + N(g + O3(g) → NaNO3(s) (c) Na(s) + 1/2 N2(g) + 3/2 O2(g) → NaNO3(s) (d) 2 Na(s) + N2(g) + 3 O2(g) → 2 NaNO3(s)
2470
views
Open Question
The boiling point of a substance is defined as the temperature at which liquid and vapor coexist in equilibrium. Use the heat of vaporization ΔHvap = 30.91 kJ/mol and the entropy of vaporization ΔSvap = 93.2 J/K·mol to calculate the boiling point (°C) of liquid bromine.
Open Question
Consider the following endothermic reaction of gaseous AB3 molecules with A2 molecules (LO 9.16, 9.17). Identify the true statement about the spontaneity of the reaction. (a) The reaction is likely to be spontaneous at high temperatures. (b) The reaction is likely to be spontaneous at low temperatures. (c) The reaction is always spontaneous. (d) The reaction is never spontaneous.
Textbook Question
A piece of dry ice (solid CO2) is placed inside a balloon, and the balloon is tied shut. Over time, the carbon dioxide sub- limes, causing the balloon to increase in volume. Give the sign of the enthalpy change and the sign of work for the sublima- tion of CO2.
648
views