ChatterBank1 min ago
enthalpy changes of combustion
2 Answers
I did an experiment on the enthalpy change of combusion of a range of fuels. I am now trying to write it up and keep struggling with my hypothesis - I know I did it in the wrong order.
Anyway, although I know its wrong - or at least can't really be said because I can only know the number of bonds for one atom of the molecule rather than the number of bonds for the amount in the spirit burners - I keep wanting to say that the fuels with more bonds will have a greater enthalpy change.
What could my hypothesis be? Any ideas, or just some simple explaining to a dummy kinda help would be great. Thanks
Anyway, although I know its wrong - or at least can't really be said because I can only know the number of bonds for one atom of the molecule rather than the number of bonds for the amount in the spirit burners - I keep wanting to say that the fuels with more bonds will have a greater enthalpy change.
What could my hypothesis be? Any ideas, or just some simple explaining to a dummy kinda help would be great. Thanks
Answers
Best Answer
No best answer has yet been selected by blueyedevil. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.
For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.Enthalpy change is normally expressed in kilojoules per mole. For example a fuel like ethanol (C2H5OH) has a relative molecular mass of 46 and propan-1-ol (C3H7OH) has a relative molecular mass of 60.
One mole of propan-1-ol (60g) will have a higher enthalpy of combustion than one mole of ethanol (46g) because there are more stronger bonds formed. C-C, C-H and C-O bonds are broken in the alcohol and much stronger bonds are formed during the combustion process ie. C=O bond in carbon dioxide and O-H bond in water.
One mole of propan-1-ol (60g) will have a higher enthalpy of combustion than one mole of ethanol (46g) because there are more stronger bonds formed. C-C, C-H and C-O bonds are broken in the alcohol and much stronger bonds are formed during the combustion process ie. C=O bond in carbon dioxide and O-H bond in water.
Related Questions
Sorry, we can't find any related questions. Try using the search bar at the top of the page to search for some keywords, or choose a topic and submit your own question.