Thermochemistry
Law of conservation of energy states that energy can’t be destroyed or created but only
transferred.
Thermochemistry is a branch of chemistry studying the relation between chemical energy
(stored in substance and within structural units of compounds) and heat energy absorbed or
gained during reaction.
Adiabatic change (ISO) is when heat isn’t absorbed or released into surroundings (thermo
flask).
Heat is one form of energy with Joule as its unit and can be determined using a
Calorimeter.
Temperature is the measurement of the amount of heat with Celcuis as its unit and can be
measured using a thermometer.
Heat capacity is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a substance by 1 C
(heat/delta temp).
Specific heat is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of
substance by 1 C (heat/mass x delta temp).
Specific heat of water is 4.18 J/g C.
*Note: Water has the highest specific heat of any other element mentioned in the books.
The amount of heat absorbed or liberated depends on the nature of the reactants and
products and the energy stored in both.
Heat content is the amount of energy stored in a substance during its formation H
(25C,1atp)
When writing a thermochemical equation you must
- balance the equation ,
- write the state of reactant and products,
- write the value of enthalpy change (delta H) and the unit is KJ/mol.
Heat change in physical processes includes:
1- Heat of solution is the heat absorbed/released when a mole is dissolve in a solvent
2- Heat of Evaporation and condensation (both involve one water mole)
Heat change in chemical processes includes:
1- Heat of neutralisation is when one mole of water is formed when a strong acid reacts with
a strong base is their dilute solution (-57.7KJ/Mole) (HCl and NaOH) but varies on strength.
2- Standard heat of combustion (abundant amount of oxygen or atmospheric air 25C 1 atp )
measured using bomb calorimeter (ignition wires, jacket, oxygen inlet, sample holder )
3- Standard heat of formation (standard conditions) delta H= Sum of H in product - reactants
*Note: You should be able to recognize the
symbols of the different heat change process eg;
Heat of reaction is calculated by indirect methods such as Hess law since it will be difficult
to measure delta H at rtp. The presence of other compounds mixed with reactants and
products and sometimes it is dangerous to measure it experimentally.
Hess law is used in that case (tips:)
1- make sure everything is on the side needed and reverse sign when reversing equation.
2- multiply or divide to reach the wanted values but do the same to the delta H value.
3- cancel only the opposite sides from each equation, you can add elements on the same
side from different equations.
4- Sum all to get the new delta H.
Eg;