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AS/A-level Chemistry - Energetics

Physical Chemistry, Energetics, Calorimetry 

July 9, 2021

System

This is the region which is being investigated. (The reactants and the products.)

Surroundings

This is everything that is affected by the chemical reaction. (The rest of the universe.)

  • A reaction that gives out heat to the surroundings is EXOTHERMIC
  • A reaction that takes in heat from the surroundings is ENDOTHERMIC

Enthalpy Change (∆H)

This is the heat energy change measured under conditions of constant heat and pressure.

If trying to work out the ∆H from a graph; ∆H = H2 – H1

Thermochemical Equation

This is a stoichiometric equation which includes the states of the reactants and products, and a value for the enthalpy change of the forward reaction.

Calorimetry

This is a method of measuring the enthalpy change of a reaction by considering temperature changes in the immediate surroundings of the chemical reaction.

A Calorimeter

This is an insulated vessel which is used for measuring the amount of energy released/ absorbed during a chemical/ physical change.

The equations below are very useful in AS/A-level Chemistry exams! Learn the definitions and know when to use the equations! 👨‍🏫

Amount of heat transferred = Mass of the substance × Specific Heat Capacity × Temperature Change

q = mc∆T

Enthalpy Change = ± (Endothermic/Exothermic) Amount of heat transferred ÷ Amount of substance

∆H = ± q / n

Calculate the heat capacity of the Calorimeter;

c = n∆H / ∆T

q = c∆T

Hess’s Law

The overall enthalpy change is independent upon the route taken.

Enthalpy of Formation

The enthalpy change when one mole of a compound is formed under its constituent elements under standard conditions, all reactants and products in their standard states.

∆Hr = Σ∆Hθf (Products) - Σ∆Hθf (Reactants)

Enthalpy of Combustion

The enthalpy change when one mole of a compound is completely burned in oxygen under standard conditions, all reactants and products in their standard states.

∆Hr = Σ∆Hθc (Reactants) - Σ∆Hθc (Products)

Mean Bond Enthalpy

This is the amount of energy needed to break 1 particular covalent bond averaged over several compounds.

∆Hr = ΣE(Bonds Broken) - ΣE(Bonds Formed)

References:

https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-calorimeter-in-chemistry-604397

https://getrevising.co.uk/resources/energetics2

This is the end of the topic!

Drafted by Cherry (Chemistry)