Thermochemistry

Kent Marcvonne C. Carugda

BS Chemistry 2A

Instructor: Leonar Jun Gabiana

Central Mindanao University

27 February, 2023
Thermochemistry

Abstract

Energy cannot be created nor destroyed, it is just converted from one form of energy
to another, one example is the transfer of heat. To understand more clearly the concept of
thermochemistry, there were two experiments conducted; first is to find the specific heat of a
substance in order to distinguish a substance using a calorimeter and the second one is
calculating the reaction enthalpy of a certain chemical reaction using the Hess’s Law. To find
the specific heat of a substance to identify it, the experiment made a coffee cup calorimeter to
embody an isolated system to ensure that all of the heat is contained only in the system. Some
reactions take too long to complete and so, the use of enthalpy of other reactions can be used
to calculate the enthalpy of the other reactions. The results indicates that the specific heat of
the tested unknown metal is 1.17 J/g°C which in theory the specific heat should be at 0.89
J/g°C as this is the specific heat capacity of aluminum as stated by the lab instructor.
Furthermore, the calculated ΔH for reaction 4 is at -627.3 kJ/mol which is slightly close to
the theoretical value of -601.1 kJ/mol. Understanding these concepts, will help us to
determine if a particular reaction will occur and if it will release or absorb energy as it occurs.

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Thermochemistry

Introduction

Thermochemistry is an important branch of chemistry as it explains the relationship

between heat and chemical reactions. It can help determine whether a particular chemical
reaction will occur and if it releases or absorbs heat as the reaction goes to completion. In
some cases, chemists are more interested in the energy generated by chemical reactions than
the physical products of the reaction. For instance, the energy for physical activity, cognition,
and other intricate chemical transformations that take place in our bodies is produced by the
regulated combustion of organic molecules, principally carbohydrates and fats, within our
cells (Brown et al., 2003).

There are ways to measure the heat change of reactions in a system. One of this is the
enthalpy. With constant pressure, the change in enthalpy represents the amount of heat that is
transported from a system to its surroundings or vice versa. The total of heat transmitted and
work performed represents the change in internal energy of a system. Heat flow (q) and
internal energy (U) are correlated with the system's enthalpy at constant pressure (H) (Brown
et al., 2003). The change of enthalpy is evident in chemical reactions as it may undergo
endothermic or exothermic. Also, some reactions may not readily undergo into completion as
it may takes time for it to react or it may be dangerous. There is a way to get the enthalpy of
that reaction using other enthalpy of reaction. This theory is called Hess’ Law. The enthalpy
of one reaction can be calculated by adding the standard enthalpies of the various reactions.
Hess's law states that the standard enthalpy of an overall reaction is equal to the sum of the
standard enthalpies of each individual reaction that a reaction may be separated into. This is
an application of the First Law (Atkins et al., 2006).

The specific heat capacity C  [J/(g °C)] of metals describes how much energy is
required to change the temperature of 1 g of metal by 1°C, and different metals have different
specific heat capacities. Specific heat capacities can be used to identify a metal, this can be
done by determining its heat capacity in an isolated system at constant pressure. By keeping
track of the temperature change that comes along with a physical or chemical change that
takes place at constant pressure, an enthalpy change can be calculated calorimetrically.
Isobaric calorimeters are used to analyze processes under constant pressure (Atkins et al.,
2006).

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Thermochemistry

The purposes of this lab are to (1) determine the specific heat capacity of an unknown
metal and be able to identify the said metal. This will be done in a coffee cup calorimeter. (2)
Calculate the enthalpy of certain reactions and using those enthalpies in calculating the
reaction enthalpy of a reaction that takes too long to complete, this part of the experiment
uses the Hess’ Law.

If the coffee cup calorimeter will be fully functional as an isolated system, the specific
heat capacity of the unknown metal can be accurately calculated and the determination of the
metal will also be accurate. If the said reactions be performed flawlessly, the enthalpy change
of each reaction should be accurately calculated and will result to accurate reaction enthalpy
of the objective reaction. These hypotheses are made from the fact that we are following
theories that are highly reliable.

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Thermochemistry

Methods and Materials

The following descriptions are the materials and methods that were employed during
the two experiments.

Part A – Specific Heat of a Metal

In this part of the experiment, an identity of an unknown metal is determined by

calculating its specific heat capacity.

Step 1. measuring and recording of masses. Measure and record the mass of the unknown
metal sample given by the instructor. The use of top-loading balance may be employed as the
mass of the metal sample may exceed the capacity of analytical balance. Record the mass of
your dry coffee cup calorimeter in an analytical balance and add about 80-mL of water and
weigh again.

Step 2. determining the initial temperatures. Record the temperature of the water in the
calorimeter. Prepare a 250-mL beaker and fill it about 2/3 full of water, and heat it on an
alcohol lamp or in a hot plate (depends on the availability of apparatus). Place the metal
sample in the water (it is important that the metal sample is not touching the sides of the
beaker), place also a thermometer on the beaker submerging it with the metal sample. Allow
the metal sample to equilibrate with the water for 10 minutes after it has come to boil. Record
the temperature as this will serve as the initial temperature of metal sample.

Step 3. determining the maximum temperature. Transfer the metal sample on the coffee
cup calorimeter. Cover the calorimeter and record the change in temperature. Observe the
temperature until it reaches its maximum temperature and wait for at least 1 minute. Record
this temperature as this will serve as the final temperature for the water and the metal sample.

Step 4. calculating the specific heat capacity of the unknown metal. The specific heat
capacity can be calculated using the formula:

−q metal =q water

−mmetal C metal Δ T metal =mwater C water Δ T water

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Thermochemistry

Part B – Hess’ Law

In this experiment, the enthalpy of a reaction that is difficult to observe in the
laboratory is determined.

Reaction 1:

Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq)  MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)

Step 1. measuring and recording of masses. Measure approximately 0.15 g of Mg and 25-
mL of 1.0 M HCl.

Step 2. recording of temperature. Record the initial temperature of HCl in the calorimeter.
Add the Mg and record the temperature until it reaches a maximum. Determine the change in
temperature.

Step 3. calculating the heat absorbed by the reaction. Using the equation q=mC ∆ T
calculate the heat absorbed by the reaction. Assuming a specific heat of 4.18 J/g°C. Using
this data, calculate the reaction enthalpy per mole of Mg.

Reaction 2:

MgO(s) + 2HCl(aq)  MgCl2(aq) + H2O(g)

Step 1. measuring and recording of masses. Measure approximately 0.50 g of MgO and
25-mL of 1.0 M HCl

Step 2. recording of temperature. Record the initial temperature of HCl in the calorimeter.
Add the MgO and record the temperature until it reaches a maximum. Determine the change
in temperature.

Step 3. calculating the heat absorbed by the reaction. Using the equation q=mC ∆ T
calculate the heat absorbed by the reaction. Assuming a specific heat of 4.18 J/g°C. Using
this data, calculate the reaction enthalpy per mole of MgO.

Reaction 3:

1
H2(g) + O  H2O(g) ΔH = -285.76 kJ/mol
2 2(g)

Using the three reactions, determine the enthalpy of the reaction:

1
Mg(s) + O  MgO(s)
2 2(g)

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Thermochemistry

Results

The following tables are the results in the conducted experiment. In part A, it is found
that the unknown metal sample was aluminum and its specific heat capacity is 0.89 J/g°C.
However, the calculated result from the experiment was 1.17 J/g°C. In part B, for reaction 1
the ΔH is equal to -384 kJ/mol and for reaction 2 the ΔH is -41.46 kJ/mol. After manipulating
1
the three reactions, the ΔH of the reaction Mg(s) + O  MgO(s) is -627.3 kJ/mol.
2 2(g)

The table below is the recorded data from the experiment conducted in part A which
is the determination of the specific heat capacity of an unknown metal.

Table 1. Data for the determination of specific heat capacity of a metal

Mass of calorimeter (g) 2.7245
Mass of water + calorimeter (g) 82.8491
Mass of water (g) 80.1246
Mass of metal (g) 8.47
Initial temperature of metal (°C) 92
Initial temperature of water (°C) 25
Final temperature (°C) 27
Specific heat of metal (J/g°C) 1.17
Identity of unknown metal Aluminum

Table 2 indicates the data obtained in part B – Hess’ Law for reaction 1. Stated here
are the recorded masses, temperature and calculated results.

Table 2. Data for the determination of reaction enthalpy per mole of Mg

Mass calorimeter (g) 2.71
Mass of calorimeter + HCl (g) 27.54
Mass of Mg 0.1559
Mole of Mg 0.0064
Initial T (°C) 26
Maximum T (°C) 49.5

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Thermochemistry

Total mass of reaction mixture (g) 25.0058

Heat absorbed by the reaction mixture (J) 2,456.71
Heat released by the reaction (J) -2,456.71
ΔH (kJ/mol) -384

Table 3 shows the data obtained in part B- Hess’ Law for reaction 2. Stated here are
the recorded masses, temperature and calculated results.

Table 3. Data for the determination of reaction enthalpy per mole of MgO
Mass calorimeter (g) 2.7245
Mass of calorimeter + HCl (g) 27.5744
Mass of MgO 0.5158
Mole of MgO 0.01280
Initial T (°C) 26
Maximum T (°C) 31
Total mass of reaction mixture (g) 25.2297
Heat absorbed by the reaction mixture (J) 530.65
Heat released by the reaction (J) -530.65
ΔH (kJ/mol) -41.46

The solution below is the detailed process for the calculation of the reaction enthalpy
1
of Mg(s) + O  MgO(s).
2 2(g)

Reaction 1 Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq)  MgCl2(aq) + H2(g) ΔH= -384 kJ/mol

Reaction 2 MgO(s) + 2HCl(aq)  MgCl2(aq) + H2O(g) ΔH= -41.46 kJ/mol

1
Reaction 3 H2(g) + O  H2O(g) ΔH = -285.76 kJ/mol
2 2(g)
1
Mg(s) + O  MgO(s) ΔH =?
2 2(g)

* Manipulate the reaction 2 to cancel other molecules.

Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq)  MgCl2(aq) + H2(g) ΔH= -384 kJ/mol

MgCl2(aq) + H2O(g)  MgO(s) + 2HCl(aq) ΔH= 41.46 kJ/mol

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Thermochemistry

1
H2(g) + O  H2O(g) ΔH= -285.76 kJ/mol
2 2(g)

1
Mg(s) + O  MgO(s) ΔH= -627.3 kJ/mol
2 2(g)
* After manipulating the reaction 2, change the sign from negative to positive. Then add all
1
of the reaction enthalpies to get the reaction enthalpy of Mg(s) + O  MgO(s).
2 2(g)

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Thermochemistry

Discussion

The data showed slightly accurate results, and the reasons for these errors will be
tackled in this section.

Part A – Specific heat capacity of a metal

This experiment was carried out using a coffee cup calorimeter. By using an unknown
metal handed out by the lab instructor, the students were able to get a specific heat capacity
of 1.17 J/g°C. This result is slightly distant from the theoretical value given by the lab
instructor which is 0.89 J/g°C. This theoretical value is the specific heat capacity of the
metal Aluminum. Based from this result we can say that there is an error in performing the
experiment. One error may be from the coffee cup calorimeter. The calorimeter may not have
served its best purpose in isolating the chemical reaction that had happened. Another one may
be an instrumental error, as the thermometer used are not properly calibrated resulting to
inaccurate recording of temperatures. Nevertheless, the result is not far from the theoretical
value and can be considered as a slight success.

Part B – Hess’ Law

This experiment was carried out by performing two chemical reactions. One is a
reaction with Mg and HCl and the other is the reaction of MgO and HCl. The third reaction is
not performed as the lab instructor already gave its reaction enthalpy. Based from the
calculated reaction enthalpy of the two reactions and the given enthalpy of the third reactions,
the students were able to get the reaction enthalpy of the fourth reaction which is equal to -
627.3 kJ/mol. This result is still slightly distant from the theoretical value of -601.1 kJ/mol.
The reason for this is just the same with Part A. But the result still serves a great reference for
the reaction enthalpy of the furth reaction.

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Thermochemistry

Conclusion

To summarize, the lab’s purpose is to determine the identity of an unknown metal by

calculating its specific heat capacity and to find the reaction enthalpy of a reaction that is hard
to observe in the lab using reaction enthalpies of other reactions.

The experiment in part A shows a slight deviation from the theoretical value, this
deviation may result to inaccurate determination of the unknown metal which is in this case,
Aluminum.

In part B, the resulting reaction enthalpy in reaction four still has slight deviation from
the theoretical value. But this result is still acceptable as the deviation is not that large.

These results indicates that you can accurately determine the identity of an unknown
metal using specific heat capacity and also determine the reaction enthalpy of a reaction using
Hess’s Law if and only if, the experiment is free of error.

The instrumental errors that may have contributed in the experiment resulting to
deviations from theoretical values will greatly affect the objectives of the experiment. These
errors may be minimized by calibrating one’s instruments and apparatuses.

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Thermochemistry

References

Atkins, P. W., & Paula, J. D. (2006). Physical Chemistry (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Brown, T. L., LeMay, H. E., Bursten, B. E., & Woodward. (2003). Chemistry: the central
science. Prentice Hall.

Filler, R. L., Lindenfeld, P., Worthington, T., & Deutscher, G. (1980). Heat-capacity
measurements on granular aluminum. Physical Review B, 21(11), 5031.

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Thermochemistry

Appendices

Below is the detailed calculation for the specific heat capacity of Aluminum:
−q metal =q water

−mmetal C metal Δ T metal =mwater C water Δ T water

J
−8.47 g ( C metal ) ( 27 ° C−92° C )=78.43 g (4.184 ° C)(27 ° C−25° C)
g

(
78.43 g 4.184
J
g )
° C (2 7 ° C−25 °C )
=C metal
−8.47 g ( 27 ° C−92 °C )
J
1.17 °C=C metal
g
* C is the specific heat capacity of a substance
* ΔT is the change of temperature

Below is a sample calculation for determining the enthalpy of a chemical reaction (Reaction
1):
Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq)  MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)

q mxt =mC ∆ T

4.184 J
q mxt =(24.83 g+0.1559 g)( ℃)(23.5 ℃)
g
q mxt =2,456.71 J

q rxn=−2,456.71 J

q rxn
∆ H rxn =
MC (¿ of mol)
−2,456.71 J
∆ H rxn =
1 ( 0.0064 mol )
∆ H rxn =−383 , 861 J ≈−384 kJ

* m is the total mass of the reaction

* MC is the molar coefficient based from the balanced chemical formula

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Thermochemistry

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