Hess's Law Problem: Finding Enthalpy of Vaporization for H2O

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In summary, the enthalpy of vaporization for H2O is 44Kj/mol, as it is a constant for the substance. The balanced equation for enthalpy calculations must have all coefficients halved in order to accurately calculate the enthalpy for vaporization of H2O.
  • #1
Whalstib
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Homework Statement




Here's the formula I was given
CH4 (g) + 2O2 (g) >CO2(g) + 2H20 (l) : -803Kj
CH4 (g) + 2O2 (g) . CO2 (g) + 2H2O (g) : -891 Kj

Find enthalpy for vaporization of H2O







Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


My soln
CO2(g) + 2H20 (l)>CH4 (g) + 2O2 (g) > : +803Kj
CH4 (g) + 2O2 (g)>CO2 (g) + 2H2O (g) : -891 Kj

Answer 88 Kj

BUT Book says:

1/2CO2(g) + 2H20 (l) > 1/2CH4 (g) + 2O2 (g) > : 1/2(+803Kj)
1/2CH4 (g) + 2O2 (g) > 1/2CO2 (g) + 2H2O (g) : 1/2(-891 Kj)

Answer 44Kj

Why would the balanced eqn have to be be balanced by halving CO2's and CH4's? I'm stumped

Any help would be great!

Thanks
Warren
 
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  • #2
Are you sure that everything wasn't suppose to be halved?
 
  • #3
Nope! That's what the book says!

Makes no sense to me...but I'm new at this...

W
 
  • #4
Whalstib said:

Homework Statement




Here's the formula I was given
CH4 (g) + 2O2 (g) >CO2(g) + 2H20 (l) : -803Kj
CH4 (g) + 2O2 (g) . CO2 (g) + 2H2O (g) : -891 Kj

Find enthalpy for vaporization of H2O







Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


My soln
CO2(g) + 2H20 (l)>CH4 (g) + 2O2 (g) > : +803Kj
CH4 (g) + 2O2 (g)>CO2 (g) + 2H2O (g) : -891 Kj

Answer 88 Kj

BUT Book says:

1/2CO2(g) + 2H20 (l) > 1/2CH4 (g) + 2O2 (g) > : 1/2(+803Kj)
1/2CH4 (g) + 2O2 (g) > 1/2CO2 (g) + 2H2O (g) : 1/2(-891 Kj)

Answer 44Kj

Why would the balanced eqn have to be be balanced by halving CO2's and CH4's? I'm stumped

Any help would be great!

Thanks
Warren

I attached you an explnation to your problem every thing need to be halved because the
enthalpy for vaporization of H2O defined for 1 mol I believe that there is a proplem with your equations H2O in the first equation must be gas And H2O in the second equation must be liquid check out your proplem in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hess's_law
 

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  • #5
Oh!
So base it on an "empirical" formula and since we balanced the CH4 and all we deal with is H2O, 2H2O>2H2O becomes H2O>H2O

Would it then follow if say (number totally made up) 10H2O(l)>10H20(g) 1000KJ
The enthalpy of vaporization be: 100KJ? IE 1000/10? Since the "empirical" formula would be H2O>H2O? Regardless of the other reactants/products?

I think that's it as I scan the problem! Thanks!
Warren
 
  • #6
let me tell you something The enthalpy of vaporization, (symbol ΔHvap), also known as the heat of vaporization or heat of evaporation, is the energy required to transform a given quantity of a substance into a gas it is constant for one substance for example water and it is 44 KJ/mol you can't have any number like 1000
 
  • #7
really...so despite any long winded problems 44kj would be the answer for the enthalpy of vaporization for H2O...Thanks...W
 

FAQ: Hess's Law Problem: Finding Enthalpy of Vaporization for H2O

1. What is Hess's Law?

Hess's Law is a principle in chemistry that states the overall enthalpy change for a chemical reaction is the same regardless of the pathway taken to reach the final products.

2. How is Hess's Law applied in simple problems?

In simple Hess's Law problems, the enthalpy changes of individual reactions are known and used to calculate the overall enthalpy change of a larger reaction.

3. Can Hess's Law be applied to non-ideal reactions?

Yes, Hess's Law can be applied to non-ideal reactions as long as the reactions can be broken down into smaller, simpler reactions with known enthalpy changes.

4. What is the significance of Hess's Law in thermodynamics?

Hess's Law is significant in thermodynamics because it allows for the calculation of overall enthalpy changes for reactions that may not be directly measurable in a laboratory setting.

5. Are there any limitations to the application of Hess's Law?

One limitation of Hess's Law is that it assumes all reactions are at constant pressure and temperature. It also does not take into account changes in volume or non-ideal behavior of substances.

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