4.2.1

Enthalpy of Reaction

Test yourself

Enthalpy of Reaction

The enthalpy change of a reaction tells us the amount of heat energy released into the surroundings in an exothermic reaction or absorbed from the surroundings in an endothermic reaction.

Illustrative background for Enthalpy changeIllustrative background for Enthalpy change ?? "content

Enthalpy change

  • An enthalpy change is a measure of the heat given out or taken in during a process.
  • When objects are heated, they use energy to expand.
  • Enthalpy takes into account the energy used in the expansion.
    • The enthalpy change of a reaction is represented using ΔH.
Illustrative background for Enthalpy vs energyIllustrative background for Enthalpy vs energy ?? "content

Enthalpy vs energy

  • We use enthalpy instead of energy because we cannot easily measure energy changes. This is because objects expand when heated.
    • To measure an energy change, we would have to fix the volume of the object.
  • Enthalpy is much easier to use as it allows for expansion.
    • Enthalpy changes are instead measured under constant pressure.
    • The atmosphere is at a constant pressure, so we require no extra equipment.
Illustrative background for Endothermic vs exothermic Illustrative background for Endothermic vs exothermic  ?? "content

Endothermic vs exothermic

  • A negative value of an enthalpy change, ΔH < 0, indicates an exothermic reaction.
  • A positive value, ΔH > 0, indicates an endothermic reaction.
    • If the direction of a chemical equation is reversed, the arithmetic sign of its ΔH is changed.
    • So, a process that is endothermic in one direction is exothermic in the opposite direction.
Illustrative background for Molar enthalpy changesIllustrative background for Molar enthalpy changes ?? "content

Molar enthalpy changes

  • The ΔH value indicates the amount of heat associated with the reaction involving the number of moles of reactants and products as shown in the chemical equation.
  • For example, consider this equation:
    • H2(g)+½O2(g)⟶H2O(l)                   Δ𝐻=−286kJ
  • This equation indicates that when 1 mole of hydrogen gas and ½ mole of oxygen gas change to 1 mole of liquid water 286 kJ of heat are released to the surroundings.
    • This is assuming constant temperature and pressure throughout the reaction.
Illustrative background for Changing coefficients Illustrative background for Changing coefficients  ?? "content

Changing coefficients

  • If the coefficients of the chemical equation are multiplied by some factor, the enthalpy change must be multiplied by that same factor (ΔH is an extensive property).
  • For example if we double the coefficients of the previous equations, the enthalpy change also doubles:
    • 2H2(g)+ O2(g)⟶2H2O(l)                   Δ𝐻= (2 x −286kJ) = - 572 kJ
Illustrative background for State symbols Illustrative background for State symbols  ?? "content

State symbols

  • The enthalpy change of a reaction depends on the physical states of the reactants and products, so these must be shown.
  • For example, if gaseous rather than liquid water is formed in the reaction mentioned previously, only 242 kJ of heat are released:

    • H2(g)+½O2(g)⟶H2O(g)                   Δ𝐻=−242kJ

Jump to other topics

1Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter

2Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure

3Structure - Classification of Matter

3.1The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements

3.2Periodic Trends

3.3Group 1 Alkali Metals

3.4Halogens

3.5Noble gases, group 18

3.6Functional Groups: Classification of Organic

3.7Functional Group Chemistry

3.8Alkanes

3.9Alcohols

3.10Halogenoalkanes

4Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?

5Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?

6Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change

7Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium