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Ch.5 - Thermochemistry
Chapter 5, Problem 117

The hydrocarbons cyclohexane (C6H12), ΔHf° = -156 kJ/mol, and 1-hexene (C6H12), ΔHf° = -74 kJ/mol, have the same empirical formula. (a) Calculate the standard enthalpy change for the transformation of cyclohexane to 1-hexene. (b) Which has greater enthalpy, cyclohexane or 1-hexene?

Verified step by step guidance
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Step 1: Understand the problem by identifying the given data: Cyclohexane (C6H12) has a standard enthalpy of formation (ΔHf°) of -156 kJ/mol, and 1-hexene (C6H12) has a ΔHf° of -74 kJ/mol.
Step 2: To find the standard enthalpy change (ΔH°) for the transformation of cyclohexane to 1-hexene, use the formula: ΔH° = ΔHf°(products) - ΔHf°(reactants).
Step 3: Substitute the given values into the formula: ΔH° = (-74 kJ/mol) - (-156 kJ/mol).
Step 4: Simplify the expression by subtracting the enthalpy of formation of cyclohexane from that of 1-hexene.
Step 5: To determine which compound has greater enthalpy, compare the ΔHf° values: the compound with the less negative (or more positive) ΔHf° has greater enthalpy.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Standard Enthalpy of Formation (ΔHf°)

The standard enthalpy of formation (ΔHf°) is the change in enthalpy when one mole of a compound is formed from its elements in their standard states. It provides a reference point for calculating the enthalpy changes in chemical reactions. In this question, the ΔHf° values for cyclohexane and 1-hexene are essential for determining the enthalpy change during the transformation between these two hydrocarbons.
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Enthalpy Change (ΔH)

Enthalpy change (ΔH) is the heat content change associated with a chemical reaction at constant pressure. It can be calculated using the formula ΔH = ΣΔHf°(products) - ΣΔHf°(reactants). In this case, the enthalpy change for the transformation from cyclohexane to 1-hexene can be determined by subtracting the ΔHf° of cyclohexane from that of 1-hexene.
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Comparison of Enthalpy Values

Comparing the enthalpy values of different compounds helps determine their stability and energy content. A compound with a lower ΔHf° is generally more stable and has lower energy than one with a higher ΔHf°. In this question, analyzing the ΔHf° values of cyclohexane and 1-hexene allows us to conclude which compound has greater enthalpy and thus is less stable.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Use average bond enthalpies from Table 5.4 to estimate Δ𝐻 for the following gas-phase reaction of ethylene, (C2H4), oxygen, and hydrogen to form ethylene glycol (C2H6O2), which is the principal component of automotive antifreeze:

Textbook Question

Depending on their specific usage, fuels are judged in part on energy released per unit volume and energy released per unit mass. Three prospective fuels are listed in the following table, along with their densities and molar enthalpies of combustion.

a. Rank the three fuels according to their enthalpy produced per gram.

b. Rank them according to their enthalpy produced per cm3:

Textbook Question

The Sun supplies about 1.0 kilowatt of energy for each square meter of surface area (1.0 kW/m2, where a watt=1 J/s). Plants produce the equivalent of about 0.20 g of sucrose (C12H22O11) per hour per square meter. Assuming that the sucrose is produced as follows, calculate the percentage of sunlight used to produce sucrose. 12 CO2(g) + 11 H2O(l) → C12H22O11 + 12 O2(g) H = 5645 kJ

Textbook Question

At 20 °C (approximately room temperature) the average velocity of N2 molecules in air is 1050 mph. (b) What is the kinetic energy (in J) of an N2 molecule moving at this speed?

Textbook Question

Consider two solutions, the first being 50.0 mL of 1.00 M CuSO4 and the second 50.0 mL of 2.00 M KOH. When the two solutions are mixed in a constant-pressure calorimeter, a precipitate forms and the temperature of the mixture rises from 21.5 to 27.7 °C. (a) Before mixing, how many grams of Cu are present in the solution of CuSO4?

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