Absolute Enthalpy &

Enthalpy of Formation
● Absolute enthalpy = sum of enthalpy
= (energy of chemical bonds) + (sensible
enthalpy change)
o
hi T = h f , i T ref  h s ,i T ref 
 

Absolute
enthalpy Enthalpy of Sensible
at temp T formation at enthalpy change
std. Ref. state going from
(Tref, Po) Tref to T
 o
 hs , i T ref ≡ h f , i T ref − hi T 
 

Ref. state: Tref = 25oC (298.15 K)

Pref = Po = 1 atm

o

Enthalpy of formation, h f ≡0 for elements in
naturally occurring state at ref. state

Oxygen O2 gas
Nitrogen N2 gas
Carbon C solid (graphite)
 Enthalpy of Combustion

Enthalpy of Combustion = enthalpy of reaction,  h R

Heat of combustion= heating value  hc

 hc =− h R
 (assuming H2O in
HHV = higher heating value
products condensed
into liquid)

LHV = lower heating value (assuming no

condensation)