Lab Report: Determining the enthalpy

change of a reaction
made by: Leonardo Sardagna, Aksinia Alikberova

Introduction: In thermodynamics, knowing the enthalpy change of a reaction is crucial for

understanding the energy shifts that occur during chemical processes. Enthalpy, a vital
thermodynamic concept, reflects the heat content of a system at constant pressure. This lab
focuses on determining the enthalpy change linked to a specific reaction: the displacement
of copper by zinc in copper sulfate solution.
The reaction between zinc and copper sulfate illustrates displacement, where a more
reactive metal replaces a less reactive one in a compound. By measuring this energy shift,
we uncover insights into the heat exchange during the reaction. This experiment aims to
deepen our grasp of thermodynamics and chemical kinetics while refining practical skills in
experimentation and data analysis. Such endeavors enhance our foundational knowledge of
chemistry and highlight the real-world applications of thermodynamic principles across
diverse fields.

Variables:
Independent: Amount of substance

dependent: the change in enthalpy in the reaction

controlled: time, temperature

Materials:
- 1l Volumetric flask(± 0.40ml)
- weighing balance(± 0.01 g)
- gloves
- spoon
- polystyrene cup with plastic lid
- thermometer
- stopwatch
- distilled water
- spatula
- funnel
- aqueous solution of copper(II) sulfate(0,20 mol/dm^3)
- Zinc powder (1,20g)
- goggles

Safety measures:
Zinc powder: wear gloves and goggles to prevent skin and eye contact. Work in a
well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling zinc dust particles, which can be harmful. It is also very
flammable.

Copper sulfate: wear gloves and goggles to prevent skin and eye contact. Avoid inhaling
dust by working in a ventilated area. Copper sulfate can cause irritation.

Procedure:

1. measure 0,2 moles of copper sulfate(50g) using a weighing balance.

2. put the copper sulfate in a 1l volumetric flask, adding also distilled to dissolve the
copper sulfate. Then close the volumetric flask with a cap and start mixing, until the
Copper sulfate dissolves completely.
3. measure 50ml of the solution in a measuring cylinder, using a funnel to facilitate the
procedure
4. measure 1,20g of zinc
5. Put the 50 ml of Copper sulfate(0.01 mol) in a polystyrene cup. Close the Cup with a
lid and insert a thermometer. Measure the temperature every 30 seconds for 10
minutes(at 120 seconds add the zinc).
6. Then remove the cup and observe the results.
7. Create a graph using the data.

Data:

Time, sec Temperature, °C

0 26
30 26
60 26
90 26
120 --- Zinc added
150 29
180 31.6
210 32
240 32.1
270 32.3
300 32.5
330 32.7
360 33
390 33
420 33
450 32.5
480 32
 510 32
540 31.8
570 31.6
600 31.5
630 31.4
660 31.3
690 31.2
720 31

Graph:

observation:

In the course of our experiment, we made significant observations regarding color changes.
Initially, when copper sulfate solution was introduced, it add blue color. This characteristic
color served as an initial marker in our experimental setup, providing a visual cue for the
presence of copper ions in solution.

As we proceeded with the addition of zinc to the copper sulfate solution, a remarkable
transformation occurred. The mixture underwent a noticeable shift in color, transitioning into
a combination of black and red colors. This alteration in coloration indicates the occurrence
of chemical reactions within the system. Specifically, the emergence of black and red colors
signified the formation of elemental copper as zinc displaced copper ions from the copper
sulfate solution.

These observations of color changes played a pivotal role in our experiment, allowing us to
visually track the progress of the reaction and providing evidence of the chemical
transformations taking place.
Calculations:
1. CuSO4(aq) + Zn(s) → Cu(s) + ZnSO4(aq)

Mzn=1.2g
Molar mass zn= 65.4 g/mol
nzn= 1.2/65.4=0.018
since the amount of Zinc(0.018) is greater of the amount in moles of the copper sulfate(0.01)
the Zinc will be in excess

2. 𝑄 = 𝑚𝑐∆𝑇
50 ml of copper sulfate= 50 g of copper sulfate
CCuSO4= CW=4.18 J g^-1 C^-1
∆𝑇 =(34.4-26)= 8,4 C°

𝑄 = 50 · 4. 18 · 8. 4 =1755 J= 1.8 kJ

𝑄 1.8 𝑘𝐽 −1
3. ∆𝐻 =− 𝑛
=- 0.01
=− 180 𝑘𝐽𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 − 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 −180−(−217)
4. 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒
· 100% = 217
· 100% =
17.1%

Evaluation:

1. some possible reasons for any difference between the experimental value (-180) and
the accepted value (-217) for the enthalpy change of the reaction between zinc and
copper sulfate. For example There might have been errors in measurement or
execution during the experiment. This could include inaccuracies in weighing,
temperature measurements, or timing during the reaction. The reaction may not have
gone to completion due to various factors such as insufficient mixing, inadequate
reaction time, or incomplete conversion of reactants to products. Heat may have
been lost to the surroundings during the reaction, leading to a lower observed
enthalpy change compared to the theoretical value. This could happen due to poor
insulation of the reaction vessel or the use of an open system where heat exchange
occurs with the surroundings.The calculation method used to determine the enthalpy
change might involve simplifying assumptions that do not fully account for all factors
affecting the reaction. For example, the assumption of constant pressure or ideal
behavior of the solutions or maybe also the extrapolation of the maximum
temperature. By considering these potential sources of error, the lab report can
provide an analysis of the observed deviation from the accepted value and offer
insights into improving experimental procedures for future investigations.

2. The accepted value of the enthalpy change (-217) is negative because it indicates
that the reaction between zinc and copper sulfate is exothermic. In exothermic
reactions, energy is released to the surroundings in the form of heat. In the context of
the specific reaction between zinc and copper sulfate, the negative enthalpy change
 signifies that the reaction releases heat energy as products are formed from the
reactants. This could be due to the formation of more stable bonds in the products
compared to the reactants, resulting in a net release of energy.The negative sign
conventionally indicates a release of energy, while a positive enthalpy change would
indicate an endothermic reaction, where energy is absorbed from the
surroundings.Understanding the sign of the enthalpy change is crucial for interpreting
the thermodynamics of the reaction and predicting its behavior under different
conditions. In the lab report, discussing the negative value of the accepted enthalpy
change provides important context for the experimental results and helps to validate
the findings in relation to established principles of thermodynamics.

3. The temperature increase observed after adding zinc to the copper sulfate solution
can be attributed to the exothermic nature of the reaction between zinc and copper
sulfate. When zinc is added to the copper sulfate solution, a single displacement
reaction occurs, where zinc displaces copper from the copper sulfate solution to form
zinc sulfate and copper metal. This reaction is typically exothermic, meaning it
releases heat energy to the surroundings.As the reaction proceeds, the bonds in the
reactants break, and new bonds form in the products. This process releases energy
in the form of heat. The temperature increase observed immediately after adding zinc
is a result of this release of heat energy.The temperature rise may not be
instantaneous and could occur over a few readings due to factors such as the rate of
reaction, mixing efficiency, and thermal equilibrium of the system. However, the
overall trend is a temperature increase due to the exothermic nature of the
reaction.In the lab report, explaining the temperature increase after adding zinc
provides important insight into the thermodynamics of the reaction and supports the
understanding of the experimental observations in the context of the underlying
chemical processes.

Conclusion:

Through this experiment, we aimed to determine the enthalpy change associated with the
displacement reaction between zinc and copper sulfate. By carefully measuring temperature
changes over time and analyzing the resulting data, we were able to calculate an
experimental value for the enthalpy change and compare it to the accepted value.

Our experimental findings revealed an enthalpy change of approximately -180 kJ/mol,

indicating that the reaction is indeed exothermic, consistent with the accepted value of -217
kJ/mol. Despite a slight deviation from the accepted value, our results align well with
theoretical expectations, providing strong evidence for the exothermic nature of the reaction.

Several factors may have contributed to the observed deviation between our experimental
value and the accepted value. Potential sources of error include inaccuracies in
measurement, incomplete reaction conversion, heat loss to the surroundings, and
assumptions made during calculations. By acknowledging these sources of error, we
recognize opportunities for improvement in future experiments, such as enhancing
measurement precision, optimizing reaction conditions, and refining calculation methods.
The temperature increase observed after adding zinc to the copper sulfate solution further
supports the exothermic nature of the reaction, affirming the release of heat energy as
products form from reactants.

In conclusion, this experiment provided valuable insights into the thermodynamics of

chemical reactions and the practical application of enthalpy measurements. By deepening
our understanding of energy changes during chemical processes, we gain essential
knowledge for predicting and interpreting reaction behaviors in various contexts. Moreover,
the hands-on experience gained from conducting this experiment enhances our skills in
experimentation, data analysis, and critical thinking, contributing to a comprehensive
understanding of chemistry principles and their real-world applications.