OBJECTIVES

a) To determine the enthalpy change (∆H) of three exothermic reactions.

b) To relates the three exothermic reactions with Hess’ Law.

SUMMARY
The objectives of this experiment is to determine the enthalpy changes of three
exothermic reactions and relates it with Hess’ Law. Measurement of temperature was done
which is the initial temperature (Ti) and the highest temperature (Tf). The first part was to
determine the heat of Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) solution (solid NaOH and distilled water).
The measured initial temperature was 26 oC while final temperature was 30 oC. The enthalpy
change, ΔH1 was -32.1846 kJ mol-1. This means that 32.1846 kJ of energy is released when
NaOH is produced from its elements, sodium and hydroxide, in their standard states, Na+
(aq) + OH- (aq). The second part was to determine heat of NaOH Neutralization. Initial
temperature of 25ml of 1M HCl was 27 oC and after 1M NaOH (aq) being added, the
temperature increased until its highest which is 32 oC. This is because when an aqueous
solution of base is added to an acid, the temperature of the solution increases. Enthalpy
change for a neutralisation reaction is negative. The enthalpy change, ΔH 2 was -41.84 kJ/mol.
The last part was to determine the heat of NaOH solution. The initial temperature of 25 ml of
0.5M HCl was 26 oC. The highest temperature which is after adding solid NaOH was 34 oC.
The enthalpy change, ΔH3 was -74.0246 kJ mol-1. Hess' law states that the total enthalpy
change for a chemical reaction is independent of the route by which the reaction takes place,
provided initial and final conditions are the same. The third reaction is actually a combination
of the first two reactions. Thus, the heat of the reaction (ΔH 3) could be equal to (ΔH1 + ΔH2)
that attempt to verify Hess’s Law.

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 INTRODUCTION

The energy involved in a chemical reaction is measured in terms of the amount of

heat released or consumed during the reaction. The temperature (ΔH) is measured in
kilojoules per mole. (ΔH) of an exothermic reaction (heat is released) has a negative sign,
(ΔH) of an endothermic reaction (heat is absorbed) has a positive sign.

In this experiment, three linked exothermic reactions involving Sodium Hydroxide

(NaOH) must be studied. In the first reaction, solid Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) dissociates
into water (H2O). The heat produced by the reaction (ΔH 1) is called NaOH heat solution. In
the second reaction, an aqueous solution of NaOH reacts with aqueous solution of
Hydrochloric Acid (HCl). The heat of this reaction (ΔH2) is called NaOH neutralization heat.
In the third reaction, a solid NaOH will be reacted with an aqueous HCl solution. This
reaction is a combination of the two previous reaction. The solid NaOH dissolves into its ions
as its dissolves into the acid solution before it is neutralized by the water. The reaction heat
(ΔH3) could therefore be equal to (ΔH1+ ΔH2). By using data collection methods in the
experiment, the additive nature of the reaction heat could be confirmed.

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 MATERIALS AND PROCEDURE

MATERIALS
1) Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) solid
2) 1 M NaOH solution
3) 0.5 M and 1M Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
4) Distilled water (H2O)

APPARATUS
1) Analytical Balance
2) Pipette 25 ml
3) Spatula
4) Thermometer
5) Erlenmeyer Flask 50 ml
6) Small Beaker
7) Glass Rod

PROCEDURE

Part A : Heat of NaOH Solution (Solid NaOH + Distilled water)

1) 25 ml of distilled water was pipette into a 50 ml Erlenmeyer flask and it was allowed
to reached the room temperature.
2) Temperature of the distilled water in the Erlenmeyer flask was measured and
temperature was recorded as Ti.
3) 0.5g of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was weighed exactly by using a spatula.
4) NaOH was added into the Erlenmeyer flask.The mixture was stirred by using a glass
rod until the NaOH was completely dissolved.The changes of the temperature in the
flask was observed while stirring.The highest temperature was recorded as Tf.
5) The solution was discarded.The thermometer was rinsed off.

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Part B : Heat of NaOH Neutralization (NaOH Solution + HCl Solution)

1) 25 ml of 1M hydrochloric acid (HCl) was pipette into a 50 ml Erlenmeyer flask.The

acid was allowed to stand until it reached the room temperature.The temperature was
recorded as Ti.
2) 25 ml of 1 M NaOH was added exactly into the flask.It was stirred using a glass rod
and the changes of the temperature was observed.The highest temperature was
recorded as Tf.
3) The solution was discarded.The thermometer was rinsed off.

Part C : Heat of NaOH Solution (Solid NaOH + HCl Solution)

1) 25 ml of 0.5 M HCl was pipette into a 50 ml Erlenmeyer flask.It was allowed to

stand until it reached the room temperature.The temperature of HCl solution in the
flask was measured and recorded as Ti.
2) 0.5 g NaOH was weighed by using a spatula and was transferred into the Erlenmeyer
Flask.
3) The mixture was stirred by using a glass rod until the NaOH was completely
dissolved.The changes of the temperature in the flask was observed while stirring.
4) The highest temperature was recorded as Tf.
5) The solution was discarded.The thermometer was rinsed off and keep it safely.

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 RESULTS

Table 1 Initial and Final Temperature of each Reaction

Part Ti (°C) Tf (°C)

Solid NaOH + Distilled Water 26 30
1M NaOH solution + 1M HCL solution 27 32
Solid NaOH + 0.5M HCL 26 34

CALCULATIONS

Part A: Heat of NaOH solution (solid NaOH + Distilled water)

1. Find the heat (q) absorbed by the water (released by the NaOH)

heat released, q = m x c x ΔT

mass = density x volume

1.1 g ml-1 x 25 ml
= 25 g
m = m(H2O) = 25 g

c(H2O) = 4.184 J/g.oC

ΔT = 4oC

q = 25 g x 4.184 J/g.oC x 4 oC = -418.4 J (heat released)

q =- 418.4 J ÷ 1000 J/kJ = -0.4184 kJ

2. Find the heat (q) released per gram of NaOH

25 g = -0.4184 kJ
1 g = -0.4184 kJ ÷ 25
= -0.0167 kJ

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 3. Find the enthalpy change, ΔH1 in kJ/mol

(moles of solute = n(NaOH) = mass(NaOH) ÷ M(NaOH)

m(NaOH) = 0.5 g
M(NaOH) = 22.99 + 16.00 + 1.008 = 39.998 g mol-1
n(NaOH) = 0.5 g ÷ 39.998 g mol-1 =0.013 mol

ΔH1 = q ÷ n(NaOH)
ΔH1 is negative (process is exothermic)
q = -0.4184 kJ
n(NaOH) = 0.013 mol
ΔH1 = -0.4184 kJ ÷ 0.013 mol = -32.1846 kJ mol-1

Part B : Heat of Neutralization (NaOH solution + HCl solution)

1. Find the heat (q) produced by the reaction of NaOH solution and HCl solution
V (HCl) = 25 ml
V (NaOH) = 25 ml
C (HCl) = 1 M
C (NaOH) = 1 M
ΔT = 5 oC
d = 1 g ml-1
m(HCl), m(NaOH)
mass =dxV
= 1 g ml-1 x 25 ml
m(HCl), m(NaOH) = 25 g

q = mtotal x c x ΔT
= 50 g x 4.184 J/g.oC x 5 oC
= 1046 J
= 1.046 kJ

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 2. Find the enthalpy change, ΔH2 in kJ/mol

a. Calculate the moles of water produced: 

OH-(aq) + H+(aq) → H2O(l) 
1 mol OH-(aq) + 1 mol H+(aq) → 1 mol H2O 
moles(H2O) = moles(OH-(aq)) 
moles(OH-(aq)) = concentration (mol L-1) x volume (L) = 1.0 x (25.0/1000) = 0.025
mol 
moles of water produced = 0.025 mol
b. Calculate the heat liberated per mole of water produced, ΔHneut : 
ΔHneut will be negative because the reaction is exothermic 
ΔHneut = heat liberated per mole of water = -1 x q ÷ moles of water 
ΔHneut = -1 x 1.046 kJ ÷ 0.025 mol = -41.84 kJ/mol

Thus, ΔH2 = -41.84 kJ/mol

Part C: Heat of NaOH solution (Solid NaOH +HCl solution)

1. Find the heat (q) absorbed by the HCl (released by the NaOH)
m(NaOH) = 0.5 g
V (HCl) = 25 ml
C (HCl) = 0.5 M
ΔT = 8 oC
d = 1 g ml-1

m(HCl) = d x V
= 1 g ml-1 x 25 ml
= 25 g

q = mtotal x c x ΔT
= 25.5 g x 4.184 J/g.oC x 8 oC
= 853.536 J
= - 0.8535 kJ

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2. Find the heat (q) released per gram of NaOH
0.5 g = -0.8535 kJ (heat released)
1 g = -0.8535 kJ ÷ 0.5
= -1.7071 kJ

3. Find the enthalpy change, ΔH3 in kJ/mol

ΔH3 =ΔH1 + ΔH2

ΔH3 = -32.1846 kJ mol-1 + (-41.84 kJ/mol)

= -74.0246 kJ mol-1

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 DISCUSSION

Heat released and heat absorbed during the reaction are often used as a term of
energy involved in a chemical reaction. The entalphy change (ΔH) of an exothermic reaction
has a negative sign indicating that heat is released and ΔH of an endothermic reaction has a
positive sign where heat is absorbed in the chemical reaction. In this experiment, three related
exothermic reactions involving Sodium Hydroxide are being studied to determine the
different entalphy change and to relates the three exothermic reactions with Hess’ Law.
Hess’s Law states that the energy change for a reaction depends on the enthalpy of the
reactants and products and is independent of the pathway of the reaction. Basically, this
experiment is divided into three parts where Part A involved the released of heat of NaOH
solution, Part B involved the heat released of NaOH neutralization and Part C involved the
heat of NaOH solution.

In the first reaction, solid sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is dissociated into water (H2O).
The heat produced by the reaction ΔH1 was called the heat of NaOH. Solid NaOH was
dissolved in distilled water. From the experiment, the initial temperature was 26 oC while
final temperature was 30 oC. Heat (q) absorbed by the water (released by the NaOH) was
-0.4184 kJ. In reaction, when the solid NaOH dissolved in the water heat was released
resulting to the increasing of temperature. Therefore, the reaction is exothermic, q and ΔH is
negative. When NaOH is added to water, water temperature was increase. The enthalpy
change, ΔH1 was -32.1846 kJ mol-1meaning that 32.1846 kJ of energy is released when
NaOH is produced from its elements, sodium and hydroxide, in their standard states, Na+
(aq) + OH- (aq). The equation below shows the reaction of NaOH with distilled water:

NaOH (s) + H2O → NaOH (aq) + H2O [1]

In the second reaction, an aqueous solution of NaOH react with an aqueous solution
of HCl. The heat produced by the reaction ΔH2 was called the heat of NaOH neutralization. A
neutralization reaction is when an acid and a base react to form water and a salt and involves
the combination of H+ ions and OH- ions to generate water. The neutralization of a strong
acid and strong base has a pH equal to 7. Consider the reaction between HCl and NaOH in
water:

HCl (aq) + NaOH (aq) → NaCl (aq) + H2O [2]

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 From the experiment, the temperature increased to 5 oC. Initially, the temperature of the
reaction mixture in the Erlenmeyer flask increases as 1M NaOH (aq) was added. This is due
to when an aqueous solution of base is added to an acid, the temperature of the solution
increases. Heat (q) produced by the reaction of NaOH solution and HCl solution was 1.046
kJ. Heat is produced when HCl (acid) reacts with NaOH (base) thus this reactions are
exothermic where ΔH is negative. The enthalpy change, ΔH2 was -41.84 kJ/mol. The enthalpy
of neutralization, is the enthalpy change when one mole of water is produced in the reaction
of an acid with an alkali. Sodium hydroxide solution consists of sodium ions and hydroxide
ions in solution. The equation for any strong acid being neutralised by a strong alkali is
essentially just a reaction between hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions to make water. The
other ions present which were sodium and chloride, were just spectator ions that taking no
part in the reaction.

H+ (aq) + OH- (aq) → H2O [3]

In the third reaction, solid NaOH reacted with an aqueous solution of HCl. This
reaction was the combination of the previous reactions. The solid NaOH dissociated into its
ions as it dissolved in the acid solution before being neutralized by the acid. The heat
produced by the reaction ΔH3 was called the heat of NaOH solution. In this part, an aqueous
solution of HCl react with solid NaOH which is strong acid react with strong base. The
change of temperature was 8oC. Heat released by the NaOH was -0.8535 kJ. Hess' law states
that the total enthalpy change for a chemical reaction is independent of the route by which the
reaction takes place, provided initial and final conditions are the same. The third reaction is
actually a combination of the first two reactions. The equation for third reaction can be
obtained by adding together first reaction and second reaction. Solid NaOH is dissolved in
HCl solution. ΔH for a neutralisation reaction is negative as previous reaction. The enthalpy
change, ΔH3 was -74.0246 kJ mol-1. ΔH3 Thus, the heat of the reaction (ΔH 3) could be equal
to (ΔH1 + ΔH2) that attempt to verify Hess’s Law.

Therefore, it can be concluded that all exothermic reactions released heat as a result
of the increasing of the temperature. Moreover, Hess’s Law stated that the energy change for
a reaction depends on the enthalpy of the reactants and products and is independent of the
pathway of the reaction, this is proved through the last part of the experiment where (ΔH3)
could be equal to (ΔH1 + ΔH2).

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11
 CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the purposes of the experiment were to determine the enthalpy change (
Δ H) of three exothermic reactions and to relates the three exothermic reactions with Hess’

Law. Based on the result obtained from the experiment, it can be concluded that the reactions
of the three part experiments involve of exothermic process. This can be related because the
result showed that every part of the experiments have temperature increases from its initial
temperature as the exothermic process releases heat which also increases the temperature.
Based on the result, the value of enthalpy change for part A, heat of NaOH solution (solid
NaOH + distilled water) is -32.1846 kJ mol-1. For part B, heat of NaOH neutralization (NaOH
solution + HCl solution), the enthalpy change is -41.84 kJ mol -1. Then part C which is heat of
NaOH solution (solid NaOH + HCl solution), the enthalpy change is -74.0246 kJ mol -1. The
total of enthalpy change for part A and B is equal to enthalpy change of part C which means
the reaction obey to the Hess’ Law.

RECOMMENDATIONS

There were several recommendations in order to overcome the possible errors that occurred
during the experiment. First off all, to ensure the reading of analytical balance is precise, it
should be calibrated first before using for experiment. Other than that, a digital thermometer
can be used rather than using a simple thermometer. This is because of to ensure that the
reading of temperature changes can be obtained in much more accuracy. Besides that, when
using NaOH solid ensure to dissolve it in the solution quickly as it melting easily and to
avoid it from melt.

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 PRE-LAB QUESTION

1. Define the term “calorimeter”

- An apparatus for measuring the amount of heat involved in a chemical reaction or other
process.

2. State the units of energy normally used to measure heat.

- Heat is measuring in quantities called Joules in the metric system. Heat can also be
measured in Calories.

3. Explain the concept of Hess Law

- Hess’ Law or constant heat summation states that regardless at the multiple stages or
steps at a reaction. The total enthalpy change for the reaction is the sum of all change. This
law is manifestation that enthalpy is a state function.

POST-LAB QUESTION

1. Write all the ionic equations for the three reactions in the experiment.

Part A

NaOH (s) + H2O (l) = Na+(aq) + OH- (aq) + H2O (l)

Part B

NaOH (l) + HCl (l) = Na+(aq) + Cl- (aq) + H2O (l)

Part C

NaOH (s) + HCl (l) = Na+(aq) + Cl- (aq) + H2O (l)

2. List down all the possible sources of error in the experiment.

I. Sensitivity of equipment - Analytical balance when weight of solid NaOH

II. Human error – using pipette
III. Heat loss during stir the solution which can exposed to air in room temperature
IV. The solution not fully dilute
V. Contaminate of glassware.

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 REFERENCES
AUS-e-TUTE (2014) Chemistry Tutorial : Hess's Law. [Online] 5 August 2014. Available
from: http://www.ausetute.com.au/hesslaw.html [1st March 2020]

CHEMGUIDE. (2013) Enthalpy Change of Neutralisation. [Online]. July 2013. Available

from: http://www.chemguide.co.uk/physical/energetics/neutralisation.html.
[Accessed: 1st Mac 2020]

CHEMGUIDE. (2013) Hess’s Law and Enthalpy Change Calculations. [Online]. July 2013.
Available from:
http://www.chemguide.co.uk/physical/energetics/neutralisation.html. [Accessed: 1st
Mac 2020]

Neutralization. (2019) Strong Acid - Strong Base Neutralization [Online] 6 June 2019.
Available from:
https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry_Textb
ook_Maps/Supplemental_Modules_(Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry)/Acids_a
nd_Bases/Acid%2F%2FBase_Reactions/Neutralization [Accessed: 1st March
2020 ]

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