Theme 3 Heat

• The themochemical equation for neutralisation reaction between hydrochloric acid, HCl and
sodium hydroxide, NaOH solution is:
NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l) ∆H= -57 kJ mol−1

• The thermochemical equation shows 57 kJ heat is released when one mole of water, H2O is
formed from the neutralisation reaction between 1 mole of hydrochloric acid, HCl (1 mole of
hydrogen ions, H+) and 1 mole of sodium hydroxide, NaOH (1 mole of hydroxide ions, OH−).
• Neutralisation reactions can occur between acids and alkalis of different strengths as follows:
(a) strong acid and strong alkali (b) weak acid and strong alkali
(c) strong acid and weak alkali (d) weak acid and weak alkali
• What is the effect of using different acids and alkalis on the heat of neutralisation? Conduct
Experiment 3A to find out.

3A Comparing Heat of Neutralisation

Learning Science
Aim: To determine and compare heat of neutralisation between acids and PAK 21 Through Inquiry
alkalis of different strengths.

A. Reactions between a strong acid and a strong alkali, and a weak acid with a strong alkali.
Problem statement: Does the reaction between a strong acid and a strong alkali produce
a higher heat of neutralisation when compared to the reaction between
a weak acid and a strong alkali?
Hypothesis: The reaction between a strong acid and a strong alkali produces a higher heat of
neutralisation than the reaction between a weak acid and a strong alkali.
Variables:
(a) Manipulated variable : Hydrochloric acid, HCl and ethanoic acid, CH3COOH
(b) Responding variable : Heat of neutralisation
(c) Fixed variable : Volume and concentration of sodium hydroxide, NaOH solution
Materials: 1.0 mol dm of hydrochloric acid, HCl, 1.0 mol dm−3 of ethanoic acid, CH3COOH
−3

and 1.0 mol dm−3 of sodium hydroxide, NaOH solution.
Apparatus: Polystyrene cups with lids, thermometer and measuring cylinder.
Procedure:
1. Measure and pour 50 cm3 of 1.0 mol dm−3 of hydrochloric acid, HCl into a polystyrene cup.
2. Measure and pour 50 cm3 of 1.0 mol dm−3 of sodium hydroxide, NaOH solution into another
polystyrene cup.
3. Put a thermometer into each solution and record the initial temperature of each solution.
4. Pour 1.0 mol dm−3 of hydrochloric acid, HCl quickly and carefully into the 1.0 mol dm−3 of
sodium hydroxide, NaOH solution.
5. Stir the mixture using the thermometer.
6. Record the highest temperature.
7. Repeat steps 1 to 6 by replacing hydrochloric acid, HCl Systematic, confident
with ethanoic acid, CH3COOH. and ethical.

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 Thermochemistry Chapter 3

B. Reactions between a strong acid and a weak alkali, and between a weak acid and a weak alkali
Problem statement: Does the reaction between a strong acid and a weak alkali produce a higher
heat of neutralisation compared to the reaction between a weak acid and
a weak alkali?
Hypothesis: Construct a hypothesis that involves the reactions of a strong acid, a weak acid with
a weak alkali and the heat of neutralisation.
Variables: State all variables.
Materials: 1.0 mol dm−3 of hydrochloric acid, HCl, 1.0 mol dm−3 of ethanoic acid, CH3COOH
and 1.0 mol dm−3 of ammonia, NH3 solution.
Apparatus: Polystyrene cups with lids, thermometer and measuring cylinder.
Procedure:
Using the materials and apparatus provided, plan and carry out an experiment to investigate the
effects of strengths of acids on the heat of neutralisation with weak alkalis.
Results:
Copy and complete Table 3.2 to record the initial temperature of the acids and alkalis, average
temperature of acids and alkalis, highest temperature and increase in temperature.
Table 3.2
Ethanoic acid,
Hydrochloric acid, Hydrochloric Ethanoic acid,
CH3COOH
HCl and sodium acid, HCl and CH3COOH and
Reacting mixture and sodium
hydroxide, NaOH ammonia, NH3 ammonia, NH3
hydroxide,
solution solution solution
NaOH solution
Initial temperature of
acid (°C)
Initial temperature of
alkali (°C)
Average temperature
of acid and alkali (°C)
Highest temperature
of mixture (°C)
Temperature rise (°C)
Discussion:
1. Write the chemical equation for each neutralisation reaction that takes place.
2. Calculate the heat of neutralisation, ∆H for each reaction.
[Given: Specific heat capacity of solution: c = 4.2 J g−1 °C−1; density of solution = 1 g cm−3]
3. Construct the energy level diagram for each neutralisation reaction.
4. Compare the value of the heat of neutralisation for each neutralisation reaction in this experiment.
5. Explain the reason for the difference in the value of the heat of neutralisation.
6. The theoretical value of the heat of neutralisation between a strong acid and a strong alkali
is -57 kJ mol−1. Compare this value with the heat of neutralisation obtained from this
experiment. Suggest a reason for this difference.
Conclusion:
Can the hypothesis be accepted? What is the conclusion of this experiment?

Prepare a complete report after carrying out this experiment.

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