Acetylene (H–C≡C–H) is the fuel used in welding torches. b. Estimate ∆H for this reaction (in kJ/mol) using the bond energies listed in Table 7.1.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the bonds present in the reactants and products. In acetylene (H―C≡C―H), there are two C―H bonds and one C≡C bond. For the products of combustion (CO₂ and H₂O), each CO₂ molecule has two C=O bonds, and each H₂O molecule has two O―H bonds.
Write the balanced chemical equation for the combustion of acetylene: 2C₂H₂ + 5O₂ → 4CO₂ + 2H₂O. This shows that 2 moles of acetylene react with 5 moles of oxygen to produce 4 moles of carbon dioxide and 2 moles of water.
Calculate the total bond energy of the bonds broken in the reactants. This includes the bond energies for 2 moles of acetylene (4 C―H bonds and 2 C≡C bonds) and 5 moles of O₂ (5 O=O bonds). Use the bond energy values from Table 7.1.
Calculate the total bond energy of the bonds formed in the products. This includes the bond energies for 4 moles of CO₂ (8 C=O bonds) and 2 moles of H₂O (4 O―H bonds). Use the bond energy values from Table 7.1.
Determine ∆H for the reaction by subtracting the total bond energy of the bonds formed (products) from the total bond energy of the bonds broken (reactants): ∆H = Σ(Bond energies of bonds broken) - Σ(Bond energies of bonds formed).
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
10m
Play a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Bond Energies
Bond energies represent the amount of energy required to break a bond between two atoms in a molecule. Each type of bond has a specific energy value, which can be found in tables. In the context of chemical reactions, the total bond energy of reactants is compared to that of products to estimate the overall change in enthalpy (∆H).
Enthalpy change (∆H) is a measure of the heat content of a system during a chemical reaction at constant pressure. It indicates whether a reaction is exothermic (releases heat, ∆H < 0) or endothermic (absorbs heat, ∆H > 0). Calculating ∆H involves summing the bond energies of the reactants and subtracting the bond energies of the products.
Acetylene is a hydrocarbon commonly used as a fuel in welding torches due to its high flame temperature when burned with oxygen. Understanding the combustion of acetylene is essential for estimating the energy released during welding processes. The reaction involves breaking and forming bonds, which directly relates to the calculation of ∆H.