Determine the molar enthalpy of reaction for the reaction of the reaction of magnesium oxide with hydrochloric acid

1 answer

The reaction equation for the reaction of magnesium oxide with hydrochloric acid is:

MgO(s) + 2HCl(aq) -> MgCl2(aq) + H2O(l)

To determine the molar enthalpy of reaction, we need to find the enthalpy change (ΔH) for this reaction. This can be done using Hess's Law or by directly measuring the heat change.

If using Hess's Law, we can consider the following two steps:

1. The reaction of magnesium oxide with hydrochloric acid to produce magnesium chloride:

MgO(s) + 2HCl(aq) -> MgCl2(aq) + H2O(l) (ΔH1)

2. The reaction of magnesium chloride with water to produce magnesium hydroxide:

MgCl2(aq) + 2H2O(l) -> Mg(OH)2(s) + 2HCl(aq) (ΔH2)

The overall reaction can be obtained by canceling out the common compounds:

MgO(s) + 2HCl(aq) + 2H2O(l) -> Mg(OH)2(s) + 2HCl(aq)

Now, we can see that ΔH1 + ΔH2 = ΔH overall.

If the enthalpy change for the second step (ΔH2) is given, we can use it to calculate the enthalpy change for the overall reaction.

If the enthalpy change is not given, we can measure the heat change directly by performing the reaction in a calorimeter. The heat released or absorbed can then be converted to the molar enthalpy of reaction.

It's important to note that the molar enthalpy of reaction can vary with the stoichiometric coefficients. Make sure to double-check the balanced equation and adjust the coefficients accordingly.