A 5.00g-sample of KOH(s) at 25.0°C was added to 100.0g of H2O(l) at room temperature inside an insulated cup calorimeter, and the contents were stirred. After all the KOH(s) dissolved, the temperature of the solution had increased. Based on the information given, which of the following best justifies the claim that the dissolution of KOH(s) is a thermodynamically favorable process?

first, consult an activity series chart to determine if al is more reactive than fe. it is, so it will replace the fe. now, one can continue with the problem.

next, make sure you have a correctly balanced equation.

3feo + 2al ==> 3fe + al2o3

now, determine which reactant (feo or al) is in limiting supply.

moles feo present = 125 g x 1 mole/71.8 g = 1.74 moles

moles al present = 25.0 g x 1 mole/26.98 g = 0.927 moles

since from the balanced equation, it take 3 mol feo for every 2 mol al, al will be limiting.

you can determine this simply by dividing moles of each by their coefficient in the balanced equation. for example: 1.74/3 = 0.58 and 0.927/2 = 0.464. al is less, so it is limiting.

finally, using the stoichiometry in the balanced eq. determine mass of fe that can be produced from 0.927 moles of al.

0.927 moles al x 3 moles fe/2 moles al x 55.8 g/mole = 77.6 g

when 25.0 ml of 0.700 mol/l naoh was mixed in a calorimeter with 25.0 ml of 0.700 mol/l hcl, both initially at 20.0 °c, the temperature increased to 22.1 °c. the heat capacity of the calorimeter is 279 j/°c.

the equation for the reaction is:

naoh + hcl → nacl + h₂o

moles of hcl = 0.0250 l hcl ×

0.700

mol hcl

1 l hcl = 0.0175 mol hcl

volume of solution = (25.0 + 25.0) ml = 50.0 ml

mass of solution = 50.0 ml soln ×

1.00

ml soln

= 50.0 g soln

δt=t2-t1

= (22.1 – 20.0) °c = 2.1 °c

the heats involved are

heat from neutralization + heat to warm solution + heat to warm calorimeter = 0

q1+q2+q3=0

nδh+mcδt+cδt=0

0.0175 mol ×

δh

+ 50.0 g × 4.184 j·g⁻¹°c⁻¹ × 2.1 °c + 279 j°c⁻¹ × 2.1 °c = 0

0.0175 mol ×

δh

+ 439.32 j + 585.9 j = 0

0.0175 mol ×

δh

= -1025.22 j

δh=1025.22j0.0175 mol= -58 600 j/mol = -58.6 kj/mol