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Ch.10 - Chemical Bonding I: The Lewis Model
Chapter 10, Problem 111c

If hydrogen were used as a fuel, it could be burned according to this reaction: H2(g) + 1/2 O2(g) → H2O(g) Which fuel yields more energy per mole?

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1
Identify the reaction given and the products formed. In this case, the reaction is the combustion of hydrogen gas (H<sub>2</sub>) with oxygen gas (O<sub>2</sub>) to form water vapor (H<sub>2</sub>O).
Understand that the energy yield from a reaction can be determined by looking at the enthalpy change (ΔH) of the reaction. For combustion reactions, this is typically exothermic, meaning it releases energy.
Consult standard enthalpy of formation tables or reliable chemical data sources to find the ΔH values for the reactants and products involved in the reaction.
Calculate the net energy yield by using the formula: ΔH = ΣΔH<sub>products</sub> - ΣΔH<sub>reactants</sub>. This will give the energy released or absorbed per mole of reaction.
Compare the energy yield of hydrogen combustion with that of other common fuels (like methane, propane, etc.) using their respective ΔH values for combustion to determine which fuel yields more energy per mole.

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Key Concepts

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

Combustion Reactions

Combustion reactions involve the chemical reaction of a fuel with an oxidant, typically oxygen, resulting in the release of energy in the form of heat and light. In the case of hydrogen, the reaction with oxygen produces water vapor and releases energy, making it a highly efficient fuel. Understanding the stoichiometry of combustion reactions is essential for calculating energy yields.
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Enthalpy of Combustion

The enthalpy of combustion is the amount of energy released when one mole of a substance is completely burned in oxygen. This value is crucial for comparing the energy output of different fuels. For hydrogen, the enthalpy of combustion is significantly high, indicating that it releases a large amount of energy per mole when combusted.
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Molar Mass and Energy Density

Molar mass refers to the mass of one mole of a substance, which affects the energy density of fuels. Energy density is the amount of energy stored in a given volume or mass of fuel. When comparing fuels, it is important to consider both the molar mass and the energy released per mole to determine which fuel is more efficient in terms of energy output.
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