Question #d6b18

1 Answer
Nov 29, 2014

We want the standard enthalpy of formation for Ca(OH)_2. Thus, our required equation is the equation where all the constituent elements combine to form the compound, i.e.:

Ca +H_2+O_2->Ca(OH)_2

Let us now write down the given equations:

[The first equation mentioned is incorrect, and so I have revised it.]

(1) 2H_2 (g) + O_2(g)->2H_2O (l) and DeltaH_1=-571.66 kJmol^-1

(2) CaO (s) + H_2O (l) -> Ca(OH)_2 (s) and DeltaH_2=-65.17 kJmol^-1

(3) 2Ca(s)+O_2(g)->2CaO(s) and DeltaH_3=-1270.2 kJmol^-1

Now, our aim is to use the 4 operators of mathematics (multiplication, division, addition and subtraction) to get the required equation. An easy way to do this is:

Step 1. Look for elements, other than O_2, (that are present in the required equation) in the given equations.

We find that Ca in is (3), H_2 is in (1) and Ca(OH)_2 is in (2).

Step 2. Multiply or divide given equations to make the amounts of the elements the same as those in the required equation. That is,

  • In the required equation, there is one atom of Ca but in equation (3), there are two atoms of Ca. Thus, we must divide the equation (3) by 2. This will affect the enthalpy of reaction as well, which will also be divided by 2.

  • In the required equation, there is one molecule of H_2 but in equation (1), there are two molecules of H_2. Thus, we must divide the equation (1) by 2. The enthalpy of reaction will also be divided by 2.

  • In the required equation as well as (2), there is an equal number of Ca(OH)_2 molecules. However, in the required equation, the molecule lies on the products side, while in (2), it lies on the reactants side. So, we must reverse equation (2). This would mean that the sign of enthalpy of reaction of (2) will be changed.
    (+ -> - [or] - -> +)

We can now simply add the three new values of enthalpies that we have calculated!

So, enthalpy of formation of Ca(OH)_2 is

DeltaH_f=(DeltaH_1)/2+(DeltaH_3)/2+(-DeltaH_2)

=(-571.66)/2+(-1270.2)/2-(-65.17)

=-285.83-635.1+65.17

=-855.76 kJmol^-1


What I have essentially done is that I have manipulated and added the equations to get the required equation.
Try adding the manipulated equations of Step 2 and see what you get!


I know that this is rather long and complex, so I hope this will help you understand better.