A 100.0-mL sample of 1.00 M NaOH is mixed with 50.0 mL of 1.00 M H2SO4 in a large Styrofoam coffee cup calorimeter fitted with a lid through which a thermometer passes. The acid-base reaction is as follows: 2 NaOH(aq) + H2SO4(aq) → Na2SO4(aq) + 2 H2O(l)
The temperature of each solution before mixing is 22.3 °C. After mixing, the temperature of the solution mixture reaches a maximum temperature of 31.4 °C. Assume the density of the solution mixture is 1.00 g/mL, its specific heat is 4.18 J/g.°C, and no heat is lost to the surroundings. Calculate the enthalpy change, in kj, per mole of H2SO4 in the reaction.
a. +85.6 kJ/mol.
b. -85.6 kJ/mol.
c. +5.71 kJ/mol.
d. -5.71 kJ/mol.
e. -114 kJ/mol.

THE ENTHALPY CHANGE IN KJ/MOLE IS +114 KJ/MOLE.

Explanation:

Heat = mass * specific heat capacity * temperature rise

Total volume = 100 + 50 = 150 mL

Total mass = density * volume

Total mass = 1 * 150 mL = 150 g

So therefore, the heat evolved during the reaction is:

Heat = 150 * 4.18 * ( 31.4 - 22.3)

Heat = 150 * 4.18 * 9.1

Heat = 5705.7 J

Equation for the reaction:

2 NaOH(aq) + H2SO4(aq) → Na2SO4(aq) + 2 H2O(l)  

From the equation, 2 moles of NaOH reacts with 1 mole of H2SO4 to produce 1 mole of Na2SO4 and 2 moles of water

50 mL of 1 M of H2SO4 contains

50 * 1 / 1000 mole of acid

= 0.05 mole of acid

The production of 1 mole of water evolved 5705.7 J of heat and hence the enthalpy changein kJ per mole will be:

0.05 mole of H2SO4 produces 5705.7 J of heat

1 mole of H2SO4 will produce 5705.7 / 0.05 J

= 114,114 J / mole

In kj/mole = 114 kJ/mole.

Hence, the enthalpy change of the reaction in kJ /mole is +114 kJ/mole.

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