Subject: Chemistry Topic: Energetics 3.1.

4 Year Group: 12

Enthalpy Change Calorimetry Key Vocabulary

1 Enthalpy change (∆H) is the heat energy change measured 1 Experiments that measure the heat given out in a 1 Standard Enthalpy change when 1 mole of a compound
under conditions of constant pressure. reaction are called calorimetry experiments. enthalpy of is formed from its elements in their standard
formation states under standard conditions.
Standard enthalpy changes refer to standard conditions ie100 2 The equation for enthalpy change is:
2 q = mc∆T
(∆fHƟ)
kPa and a stated temperature (eg ∆H298Ɵ).
Where q is the heat lost or gained (J), m is the mass of 2 Standard Enthalpy change when 1 mole of a substance
Exothermic reaction release energy into the surroundings so enthalpy of is completely burned in oxygen under
3 the water in combustion reactions or solution (g), c is
combustion standard conditions with all reactants and
the temperature increases. The products have less energy the specific heat capacity of the water (4.18 J g-1K-1) or
than the reactants so ∆H is negative. solution and ∆T is the change in temperature of the (∆cHƟ) products in their standard states.

4 Endothermic reaction take in energy from the surroundings water or solution (K). 3 Bond enthalpy The energy needed to break a bond.
so the temperature decreases. The products have more To calculate the enthalpy change of a reaction:
3 4 Hess’s Law The total enthalpy change for a reaction is
energy than the reactants so ∆H is positive. 1. Calculate q then convert from J to kJ. independent of the route taken.
2. Calculate the number of moles. If combustion,
Bond Enthalpy calculate moles of fuel using n=m/Mr where m is
Temperature change from graph
the mass of fuel burnt. If solution, use n=cv.
1 Atoms in molecules are held together by strong covalent
3. Calculate the enthalpy change in kJ mol-1 using You can use a graph to find an accurate temperature change
bonds. It takes energy to break them (endothermic) and energy
∆H=q/n.
1
for a reaction. You need to extend both lines on the graph
is released when they are made (exothermic).
A temperature increase shows an exothermic reaction so they pass through when the reaction started.
4
2 If more energy is needed to break the bonds in a reaction then so the enthalpy change must be negative. The distance
∆H is positive and if more energy is needed to make the bonds 2
between the 2
then ∆H is negative.
Problems with Calorimetry lines at the point
3 In calculations, a mean bond enthalpy is used which is the the reaction
average energy needed to break a certain type of bond in a 1 Heat is always lost to the surrounding during the started is the
range of compounds. experiment which can make calculated value accurate
inaccurate. temperature
4 Enthalpy change Total energy Total energy
change (∆T).
absorbed to released when 2 Combustion may be incomplete which means less
of reaction
break the bonds bonds are formed energy is given out and calculated value is inaccurate.
 Subject: Chemistry Topic: Energetics 3.1.4 Year Group: 12

Hess’s Law Hess’s Law Using Formation Hess’s Law Using Combustion
1 Hess’s law is used when you can’t measure the 1 You need to know ∆fHƟ for all the reactants and products that are You will be
1
enthalpy change directly with an experiment. compounds. The ∆fHƟ for elements is zero. provided with
values for ∆cHƟ
2 The example below shows a Hess’s cycle:
2 Calculate the ∆rHƟ using the enthalpies of formation in the table. for substances
required.

2 Calculate ∆fHƟ of ethanol using the enthalpies of

combustion in the table.

Hess’s Law says that the total enthalpy change for

route 1 is the same as for route 2. Elements are at the bottom of the Hess’s cycle and the arrows point
upwards because the elements form the reactants and products.

3 The table shows the values for the

Exam Tips ∆fHƟ that are needed to calculate
the enthalpy change for the Combustion products are at the bottom of the
1 You don’t have to pick a route that follows the
reaction. Hess’s cycle and the arrows point down because
direction of the arrows. If your route goes against an
arrow you can change the signs (so negative enthalpies they are formed in a combustion reaction.
become positive and positive enthalpies become
negative). 3 Use Hess’s Law, Route 1 = Route 2, and plug the
4 Use Hess’s Law, Route 1 = Route 2, and plug the numbers from the numbers from the table into the equation:
2 Use brackets when putting values into your calculator table into the equation:
to avoid calculation errors.

3 When using combustion data you can ignore the

enthalpy change of combustion for oxygen because it
doesn’t have one.