4.2.3

Enthalpy of Formation

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Enthalpy of Formation

A standard enthalpy of formation Δ𝐻f° is an enthalpy change for a reaction in which exactly 1 mole of a pure substance is formed from free elements in their most stable states under standard state conditions.

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Δ𝐻f°

  • Δ𝐻f° is useful for computing or predicting enthalpy changes for chemical reactions that are impractical or dangerous to carry out.
  • If we have values for the appropriate standard enthalpies of formation, we can determine the enthalpy change for any reaction.
    • We will practice in the next section on Hess’s law.
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Example

  • The standard enthalpy of formation of CO2(g) is −393.5 kJ/mol.
  • This is the enthalpy change for the exothermic reaction:
    • C(s)+O2(g)⟶CO2(g)         Δ𝐻f° =Δ𝐻°=−393.5kJ
  • In this reaction:
    • The reactants are at a pressure of 1 atm and 25 °C .
    • Carbon is present as graphite, the most stable form of carbon under these conditions.
    • It ends with one mole of CO2, also at 1 atm and 25 °C.

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

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