Experiment 2: Enthalpy of Chemical Reactions - Hess’s Law

PURPOSE
In this two-part experiment, you will work with a partner to determine the change of enthalpy of a neutralization
reaction and determine the enthalpy of formation of magnesium oxide by calorimetry. Both parts of the experiment
will require you to measure the temperature change of several chemical reactions with a coffee cup calorimeter, to
determine the heat energy given off by the reactions, to sum the reactions and to determine the change in enthalpy of
reaction by using the principles of Hess’s law.

OBJECTIVES
1. Use Hess’s law to determine the enthalpy change of the reaction between aqueous ammonia and aqueous
hydrochloric acid.
2. Use Hess’s law to determine the enthalpy of formation of magnesium oxide.
3. Use prior knowledge concerning the summation of heats of reactions.
4. Compare your calculated enthalpy change with the accepted experimental results.

PRINCIPLES
• Thermochemistry is the study of the change of energy through observation, measurement, and prediction of
energy changes that occur in both physical and chemical processes.
• thermo = heat energy

THE FIRST LAW OF THERMODYNAMICS

Energy is the capacity to do work or transfer heat. In thermodynamics, we categorize the energy changes that occur
during a change in a chemical or physical process as heat and work. Energy can be further classified into two
general types: kinetic and potential.

1. Kinetic energy (KE) is disruptive forces—energy of motion. Ekinetic = ½ mv2

2. Potential energy (PE) is cohesive forces—energy possessed by a system through its position or
composition. (Electrostatic forces of the atoms in a substance) PE + KE = Etotal. The total amount of
energy in the universe is constant. (1st Law of Thermodynamics)

Processes that release heat energy in their surrounding are called exothermic. E.g. water freezing (a physical
change) or combustion of methane (a chemical reaction).

Processes that absorb heat energy from their surrounding are called endothermic. E.g. water melting (a physical
change) or the reaction of solid hydrated Ba(OH)2 ∙ 8H2O (barium hydroxide octahydrate) with excess solid
NH4NO3 (ammonium nitrate). The latter chemical reaction absorbs heat and will freeze water vapor in its immediate
surroundings. Therefore, when the reaction takes place in a beaker on a wet surface, it will freeze and attach to the
surface.

THERMODYNAMIC TERMS
• System—the part of the universe we want to study.
• Surroundings—everything else that may or may not be capable of reacting with the system.
• Universe—system + surroundings.

[17]
CH204 Experiment 2: Enthalpy of Chemical Reactions – Hess’s Law spring 2015

• State of a system—a complete description of the system (temp, pressure, physical state, number of moles
and identity of each component in the system)
• State function (a.k.a. state variable)—the properties of a system, i.e., temperature, volume, pressure.
‘The value of a state function depends only on the state of the system, not how the system got to that
state.’

Change in state function = the final state – initial state

ΔX = ΔXfinal – ΔXintial
ΔP = ΔPfinal – ΔPintial
ΔT = ΔTfinal – ΔTintial

STANDARD STATES AND STANDARD ENTHALPY CHANGES

Definitions:
• Thermodynamic standard conditions = 25.0oC (298K) at 1.00 bar ≈ 1.00 atm.
• Thermodynamic standard state of a substance is the most stable state of a substance at standard conditions.

Br2 (l), I2(s), N2(g), Cl2(g), H2(g), O2(g), F2(g) are most stable as diatomic molecules at standard conditions. Br2 is
a liquid; I2 is a solid, and the remainders are gases at standard conditions. Carbon is graphite at standard
conditions. Water is liquid at standard conditions.

Gases—the standard state is the gas at 1.0 atm (as a mixture, the partial pressure is 1.0 bar or 1.0 atm)
Solutions—the standard state for substances in solution is 1.0 M

o
∆H rxn is the standard enthalpy change as reactants go to products The change of enthalpy (ΔH) is measured
during the change.

STANDARD MOLAR ENTHALPY OF FORMATION ∆ H f ( o

)
∆H of for the reaction in which one mole of that substance in the specified state at standard conditions (1.0 atm and
o
250C, 298K) is formed from its elements in their standard states. The ∆H f for all elements in their standard states
at 1.0 atm and 250C, 298K is zero.

∆H of for Br2(l) = 0, ∆H of for O2(g) = 0, ∆H of for C(graphite) = 0, ∆H of for I2(s)= 0

Example: What is meant by the standard molar enthalpy of formation of H2O liquid?

H2 (g) + ½ O2 (g) → H2O (l) ∆H of = –285.8 kJ/mol H2O

When 1.0 mol of H2O (l) is formed from its elements in their standard states, 285.8 kJ of heat energy is released.
∆H of for any element in its standard state is equal to zero.

Example:
When 14.4 grams of magnesium is burned in excess nitrogen at constant atmospheric pressure, solid Mg3N2 is
formed. When the reaction mixture is brought back to 25.0oC, it is determined that 136.7 kJ of heat is given off.
What is the standard molar enthalpy of formation of Mg3N2?

3Mg (s) + N2 (g) → Mg3N2 (s)

[18]
CH204 Experiment 2: Enthalpy of Chemical Reactions – Hess’s Law spring 2015

1 mol Mg = 24.3g
3 mol Mg = 1 mol Mg 3 N 2
3 mol Mg = 72.9 g
1.0 mol Mg3 N 2
14.4 g Mg × = 0.198 mol Mg 3 N 2 formed
72.9 g Mg
- 136.7 kJ
ΔH of Mg3N 2 (s) = = -600 kJ
0.198 mol Mg 3 N 2 mol

HESS’S LAW
The change of enthalpy per mole of reaction, ∆Horxn, is the amount of heat either released or absorbed during a
chemical reaction. The change of enthalpy is determined from a balanced chemical equation. We always interpret
ΔH as the enthalpy change for the reaction as written; i.e., as the (enthalpy change)/(mole of reaction).
For example:
C5 H12(l ) + 8 O 2(g) → 5 CO 2(g) + 6 H 2 O (l ) + 3523 kJ
1 mole 8 moles 5 moles 6 moles

3523 kJ given off 3523 kJ given off 3523 kJ given off

∆Hrxn = = =
mol of rxn mol C 5 H 12 ( l ) consumed 8 mol O2 ( g ) consumed
3523 kJ given off 3523 kJ given off
= =
5 mol CO 2 ( g ) formed 6 mol H 2 O ( g ) formed

The Enthalpy change for a reaction is the same whether is occurs by one step or a series of steps.

Example : C (graphite) + ½ O2 (g) → CO (g)

In this reaction, some CO2 is produced, although CO is the predominate product. Therefore, the enthalpy change for
this reaction is difficult to measure. However, Hess’s Law of Heat Summation, allows us to determine on paper the
ΔH.
o
∆H rxn = ∆H ao + ∆H bo + ∆H co + L
o
If we can break the reactions into steps, then we can determine the ∆H rxn for the above reaction.

C (graphite) + O2 (g) → CO2 (g) 393.5 kJ

∆H o = −
mol rxn

CO (g) + ½ O2 (g) → CO2 (g) 283.0 kJ

∆H o = −
mol rxn

We can set up these equations to get our desired reaction.

C (graphite) + O2 (g) → CO2 (g) ∆H o = − 393.5 kJ

mol rxn
CO2 (g) → CO (g) + ½ O2 (g)  283.0 kJ  reverse the rxn,
∆H o = −  −  reverse the sign.
 mol rxn 
C (graphite) + ½ O2 (g) → CO (g) 110.5 kJ
∆H of = −
mol rxn

[19]
CH204 Experiment 2: Enthalpy of Chemical Reactions – Hess’s Law spring 2015

If the change of enthalpy of formation is known for each reactant and product in the chemical equation, Hess’s Law
of summation can be used according to the following relationship to determine the change of enthalpy per mole of
reaction (ΔHorxn) at standard conditions:

∆H 0rxn = ∑ n ∆H 0f products − ∑ n ∆H 0f reactants

n n

n =stoichiometric coefficients
(moles of each reactant and moles of each product)

CALORIMETRY
All chemical reactions involve an exchange of heat energy; therefore, it is tempting to plan to follow a reaction by
measuring the enthalpy change (∆H). However, it is often not possible to directly measure the heat energy change of
the reactants and products (the system). We can measure the heat change that occurs in the surroundings by
monitoring temperature changes using an experimental technique called calorimetry. This technique is based on
observing the change of temperature that occurs when a system absorbs or releases heat energy. The experiment is
carried out in a device called a calorimeter (see figure 1, pg. 24). In a calorimeter, the temperature change of a
known amount of substance, usually water, with a known specific heat is measured.

Specific heat capacity is the energy required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of a substance by
1oC or by 1K. The units of specific heat capacity are J ∙ K−1 ∙ g−1 or J ∙ oC−1 ∙ g−1.

Molar heat capacity is the energy required to raise the temperature of 1 mol of a substance by 1oC or by 1K. The
units of molar heat capacity are J ∙ K−1 ∙ mol−1 or J ∙ oC−1 ∙ mol−1.

A coffee cup calorimeter is often used to measure the “heats of a reaction” at constant pressure, qp, in aqueous
solutions. The reactions in a coffee cup calorimeter should not involve gaseous reactants or products. Therefore, all
the reactants and products remain in the coffee cup throughout the experiment. The calorimeter measures the
amount of heat absorbed or released when a reaction occurs in aqueous solution. We consider the reactants and
products as the system and the calorimeter plus the solution (mostly water) as the surroundings. For an exothermic
reaction, the amount of heat evolved by the reaction can be calculated from the increase of temperature in the
solution and the calorimeter that resulted from the heat energy released during the reaction.

 amount of heat    amount of heat absorbed   amount of heat absorbed 

−  = +  +  
 released by reaction   by solution   bycalorimeter 
system surroundings

The heat capacity of a calorimeter is determined by adding a known amount of heat and measuring the rise in
temperature of the calorimeter and of the solution it contains. This heat capacity of a calorimeter is called the
calorimeter constant or calorimeter heat capacity, Ccal, with units of J∙K−1 or J∙oC−1.

Example: A coffee cup calorimeter that contains 50.00 g of water at 22.34oC has 3.358 kJ of heat added. The
temperature of the water and the calorimeter increases to 36.74oC. What is the heat capacity of the calorimeter in
J/oC? The specific heat of water is 4.184 J/g∙oC.

[20]
CH204 Experiment 2: Enthalpy of Chemical Reactions – Hess’s Law spring 2015

The amount of heat absorbed by the surroundings is dependent on the mass of the water, the specific heat capacity of
the water, the heat capacity of the calorimeter and the change of temperature that occurred when the heat was added.

q = (mwater × Cp × ∆T) + (Ccal ΔT)

The term q represents the heat energy that is gained or lost. Cp is the specific heat of water at constant pressure, m is
the mass of water, Ccal is the heat capacity of the calorimeter and ∆T is the temperature change of the reaction
mixture.
ΔT = Tf – Ti = (36.74 oC – 22.34 oC) = 14.40 oC

q = (mwater × Cp × ∆T) + (Ccal ΔT)

3.358 × 103 J = (50.00 g × 4.184 J/g∙oC × 14.40 oC) + (Ccal × 14.40 oC)

345.52 J = (Ccal × 14.40 oC)

Ccal = 23.99444 J/ oC = 23.99 J/ oC

If we conduct a reaction between two substances in aqueous solution, then the enthalpy of the reaction can be
indirectly calculated with the following equation.

q = (msol’n × Cp × ∆T) + (Ccal ΔT)

The specific heat and mass of water are used because water will either gain or lose heat energy in a reaction that
occurs in aqueous solution.

Example: A coffee cup calorimeter is used to determine the heat of reaction for the acid-base neutralization reaction:

CH3COOH(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCH3COO(aq) + H2O(l)

When 20.0 mL of 0.625 M NaOH at 21.400 oC is added to 30.00 mL of 0.500 M CH3COOH, whose temperature is
also 21.400oC, the temperature increases to 24.347oC. The density of the mixture is 1.02 g/mL and the heat capacity
of the calorimeter is 27.8 J/oC. Assume that the specific heat of the mixture is the same as that of water, 4.184J/g∙oC.
(a) Calculate the amount of heat given off in the reaction.
(b) Determine the ΔHrxn under the conditions of the experiment.

a). ΔT = 24.347oC − 21.400oC = 2.947oC

(heat gained by calorimeter) +q = 2.947oC × 27.8 J/oC = 81.9 J
(total volume of solution that is warmed) 20.00 mL + 30.00 mL = 50.00 mL
(mass of solution) 50.00 mL × 1.02 g/mL = 51.00 g sol’n.

The amount of heat absorbed by the water and the calorimeter is:
q = (msol’n × Cp × ∆T) + (Ccal ΔT)
= (51.00 g × 4.184 J/goC × 2.947oC) + (81.9 J)
= 710.7 J (The heat was gained by the surroundings; therefore, q is positive.)

[21]
CH204 Experiment 2: Enthalpy of Chemical Reactions – Hess’s Law spring 2015

b) In a coffee cup calorimeter, the reaction takes place at constant pressure, therefore, the heat measurement, qp, is
equal to ΔH. The ΔHrxn has units of kJ/mol of reaction. Since the reaction occurs in a 1:1 mol ratio and we did not
use the same number of moles of each reactant, we must determine the limiting reactant.

0.625 mol NaOH

mol of NaOH = 0.0200 L NaOH × = 0.0125 mol NaOH
L
0.500 mol CH 3 COOH
mol of CH 3 COOH = 0.0300 L CH 3 COOH × = 0.0150 mol CH 3 COOH
L
Since the NaOH has fewer moles for the reaction, it is the limiting reactant. The heat absorbed by the surroundings
(water and calorimeter) is equal to the amount of heat released by the system (the reaction). Since the heat released
from the reaction warmed the water, the change of enthalpy for the reaction is negative. (-qsystem = +qsurroundings)

− 710.7 J 1 kJ
∆H rxn = × = − 56.9 kJ
0.0125 mol rxn 10 3 J mol rxn

According to Hess’s law, the enthalpy changes of a series of reactions can be combined to calculate the enthalpy
change of a reaction that is the sum of the components of the series. In this experiment, we will determine the
change in enthalpy of reaction 3. We will use Hess’s law to compare the results of reaction 3 to the ΔHrxn that is
obtained by the summation of the ΔHrxn experimentally determined from reaction 1 and reaction 2. We will also
determine the enthalpy of formation, ΔHf, of magnesium oxide from the summation of ΔHrxn from three reactions;
two reactions in which the ΔHrxn are determined experimentally and one reaction in which the ΔHrxn will be
provided.

SAFETY
Sodium hydroxide is a corrosive solid where skin burns are possible. Heat evolves when added to water and it is very
dangerous to eyes – wear eye protection when using this substance.
Hydrochloric acid is highly toxic by ingestion or inhalation. It is severely corrosive to skin and eyes.
Ammonia, both liquid and vapor, is extremely irritating especially to eyes. Dispense in a hood. It is moderately toxic
by ingestion and inhalation. It can be a serious respiratory hazard.
Ammonium chloride is slightly toxic by ingestion.

MATERIALS
LabQuest Temperature Probe 6.0 M hydrochloric acid, HCl, solution
Styrofoam cups 3.0 M sodium hydroxide, NaOH, solution
250 mL or 400 mL beaker 2.0 M ammonium chloride, NH4Cl, solution
50 mL or 100 mL graduated cylinders 2.0 M ammonium hydroxide, NH4OH, solution (ammonia)
glass stirring rod LabQuest
Logger Pro Software

PART 1: DETERMINING THE ENTHALPY OF A CHEMICAL REACTION – WORK WITH A

PARTNER (As partners, you are only collecting the same data; your lab report should be written exclusively
by you.)

PRE-LAB EXERCISE – Each student should complete the pre-lab exercise in his/her lab notebook prior to lab.

You will conduct the following three reactions in this experiment. Below are the net ionic equations for each
reaction. The net reaction is the overall reaction where only the ions that react are shown. Use Hess’s Law equation

[22]
CH204 Experiment 2: Enthalpy of Chemical Reactions – Hess’s Law spring 2015

and the table of thermodynamic data to calculate the molar enthalpy of the net ionic reactions, ΔHrxn. (See table of
enthalpy of formation below.) Record your answers in Table 1. Show your work

Hess’s Law equation: ∆H 0rxn = ∑ n ∆H

n
0
f products − ∑ n ∆H f0 reactants
n

Reaction 1: NaOH (aq) + HCl (aq) → H2O (l) + heat

Net: H+ (aq) + OH– (aq) → H2O (l)

Reaction 2: NaOH (aq) + NH4Cl (aq) → NH3(aq) + NaCl + H2O (l) + heat
Net: OH– (aq) + NH4+ (aq) → NH3 (aq) + H2O (l)

Reaction 3: HCl (aq) + NH3(aq) → NH4Cl (aq)

Net: H+ (aq) + NH3 (aq) → NH4+ (aq)

Table 1. The Change of Enthalpy of Reactions – Net Ionic Equations

Reaction Balanced net ionic reaction equation ΔH (kJ/mol)

1 H+ (aq) + OH– (aq) → H2O (l)

2 OH– (aq) + NH4+ (aq) → NH3 (aq) + H2O (l)

3 H+ (aq) + NH3 (aq) → NH4+ (aq)

TABLE of ENTHAPY OF FORMATION

*Enthalpy of formation
Substance ∆H o
( kJ • m o l − 1 )
f

OH– (aq) –229.99

H+ (aq) 0

H2O (l) –285.83

NH4+ (aq) –132.51

NH3 (aq) –80.29

PROCEDURE: For purposes of this experiment, you may assume that the heat loss to the calorimeter is 25.5 J/oC
and to the surrounding air is negligible.

1. Obtain and wear goggles. Before you begin the procedure, dilute 6.0 M HCl to 300.0 mL of 2.0 M HCl by
adding 100.0 mL of the 6.0 M HCl solution to 200.0 mL of distilled water in a 400-500 mL beaker. Use the 2.0
M HCl for all reactions that require 2.0 M HCl, including the Mg ribbon reaction in Part II. CAUTION: Handle
the hydrochloric acid solution with care.

[23]
CH204 Experiment 2: Enthalpy of Chemical Reactions – Hess’s Law spring 2015

2. Dilute 3.0 M NaOH to 150 mL of 2.0M NaOH by adding 100.0 mL of 3.0 M NaOH to50.0 mL of distilled
water in a 250 mL beaker. Use the 2.0 M NaOH for all reactions that require NaOH. CAUTION: Handle the
sodium hydroxide solution with care.

(LabQuest temperature probe)

Figure 1: Coffee Cup Calorimeter

3. Activate the LabQuest by pressing the silver on/off button.

4. Connect the Temperature Probe to LabQuest and choose New from the File menu. The temperature sensor will
auto-ID the program.

5. Once the LabQuest screen has been activated you will observe a red box indicating the location of the channel
in which the temperatures probe has been connected and the word temperature. The temperature of the room is
shown in large white numbers.

6. Connect the USB drive into the USB slot on top of the instrument (see complete instructions on pages 10-12 in
experiment 1).

7. In the upper right corner of the screen, tap mode with stylus (2c in figure 2 on page 11 in experiment 1). In the
box to the right of “interval” delete the 0.5 and replace it with 15. Use the stylus to tap the box. A keyboard will
appear at the bottom of the screen. Using the backspace arrow, remove 0.5 and tap in the number 15.0 in the
box, then tap OK. You are now ready to measure the temperature at 15 second intervals.

8. Save each of your runs on the LabQuest in case the data is corrupt on your USB when you try to open it in
LoggerPro.

Reaction 1: Conduct the reaction between solutions of NaOH and HCl.

1. Nest two Styrofoam cups in a beaker, as shown in Figure 1. Measure out 50.0 mL of 2.0 M HCl solution into
the foam cup. Lower the Temperature Probe through the lid into the solution; be sure the probe is not touching
the bottom of the cup. CAUTION: Handle the hydrochloric acid with care. It can cause painful burns if it
comes in contact with the skin.
2. Measure out 50.0 mL of NaOH solution, but do not add it to the HCl solution yet. CAUTION: Handle the
sodium hydroxide solution with care.

3. Start data collection and obtain the initial temperature of the HCl solution.
a. To begin the measurement, tap the green arrow on the bottom left corner with the stylus. You may also use
the collection button on the body of the instrument (2d in figure 2 on pg. 11 in experiment 1).

[24]
CH204 Experiment 2: Enthalpy of Chemical Reactions – Hess’s Law spring 2015

b. After three or four readings appear at the same temperature (approximately 30 – 45s), add the 50.0 mL of
NaOH solution to the Styrofoam cup all at once and swirl. Replace the lid and insert the temperature probe.
Swirl the reaction mixture continuously (or use the temperature probe to stir the solution) until the
temperature reaches a peak and begins to fall.
c. Data collection will end after three minutes. If the temperature readings are no longer changing, you may
stop the trial early.
d. To examine the data pairs on the displayed graph in LabQuest, select any data point with the stylus. As you
move the examine line, the temperature values of each data point are displayed to the right of the graph.
You may also determine the minimum and maximum by tapping analyze on the tool bar at the top. Tap
statistics then tap the little blank box to the left of the highlighted word temperature (in red). Tap the graph
again and the statistical analysis will be apparent in a text box to the right of the graph.
e. Record the initial and maximum temperatures in data table 2. Both students must save the data in their USB
drives in order to complete the analysis on Logger Pro. (E.g. Expt. 2 reaction 1.)

4. Rinse and dry the Temperature Probe, Styrofoam cup, and the stirring rod. Dispose of the solution as directed.

Reaction 2: Conduct the reaction between solutions of NaOH and NH4Cl. Members of the team should switch roles
and conduct the following experiment.
1. Select the file cabinet next to RUN 1 on LabQuest to initiate RUN 2. (Remember this is a different reaction but
in order to avoid having to reset the time interval, you can collect the data as RUN 2. Be sure you have saved
RUN 1 on your USB before you initiate RUN 2.)

2. Measure out 50.0 mL of 2.0 M NaOH solution into a nested Styrofoam cup (see Figure 1). Lower the tip of the
Temperature Probe into the cup of NaOH solution.

3. Measure out 50.0 mL of 2.0 M NH4Cl solution, but do not add it to the NaOH solution yet.

4. Start data collection and obtain the initial temperature of the NaOH solution.

a. After three or four readings appear at the same temperature (approximately 30 – 45s), add the 50.0 mL of
NH4Cl solution to the Styrofoam cup all at once. Replace the lid and insert the temperature probe. Swirl the
reaction mixture continuously (or use the temperature probe to stir the solution) until the temperature
reaches a peak and begins to fall.

b. Data collection will end after three minutes. If the temperature readings are no longer changing, you may
stop the trial early.

c. Examine the graph as before to determine and record the initial and maximum temperatures of the reaction
into data table 2. Both students must save the data (e.g. Expt 2 reaction 2) in their USB drives in order to
complete the analysis on Logger Pro and before proceeding to reaction 3.

5. Rinse and dry the Temperature Probe, Styrofoam cup, and the stirring rod. Dispose of the solution as directed.

Reaction 3: Conduct the reaction between solutions of HCl and NH3 (Members of the team should switch roles and
conduct the following experiment.)

[25]
CH204 Experiment 2: Enthalpy of Chemical Reactions – Hess’s Law spring 2015

1. Select the file cabinet next to RUN 2 on LabQuest to initiate RUN 3. Be sure to save the data from RUN 2 on
your USB drive before you begin RUN 3 on LabQuest.

2. Start data collection and obtain the initial temperature of the HCl solution.

3. Follow the same process to measure the temperature change of the reaction between 50.0 mL of 2.0 M HCl
solution and 50.0 mL of 2.0 M NH3 (NH4OH) solution. Conduct this reaction in a well-ventilated area.

4. Examine the graph as before to determine and record the initial and maximum temperatures of the reaction into
data table 2. Both students must save the data in their USB drives in order to complete the analysis on Logger
Pro.

DATA TABLE 2.
Reaction 1 Reaction 2 Reaction 3

Tf (°C)

Ti (°C)

Temperature change (∆T) (°C)

DATA ANALYSIS (Show your work with the correct significant figures and proper units.)

1. Calculate the amount of heat energy, q, in kJ that is absorbed by the surroundings, calorimeter and water,
for each reaction. Use 1.03 g/mL for the density of all solutions. Use the specific heat of water,
4.184 J/(g•°C), for all solutions. Calorimeter constant: 25.5 J/oC. (Remember that the calorimeter constant
is a measurement that must be considered when determining significant figures.)
2. Calculate the enthalpy change, ∆Hrxn, for each reaction in terms of kJ/mol. Remember that the sign of q
from the calorimeter represents the surroundings (+) and q from the reaction represents the system (−).
3. Use your ∆Hrxn results from # 2 above and the balanced net ionic reactions for reactions 1 and 2 to
determine the experimental molar enthalpy change for the net ionic of Reaction 3. That is, sum reaction 1
and reaction 2 to determine the ΔHrxn of reaction 3. Write out the net ionic equations. (This is the measured
value.)
4. Use the ΔHrxn you calculated in the pre-lab for the balanced net ionic reaction for reactions 1 and 2 to
determine the molar enthalpy change for the net ionic of reaction 3. That is, sum reaction 1 and reaction 2
to determine the ΔHrxn of reaction 3. Write out the net ionic equations. (This is the accepted value.)
5. Determine the percent error (equation below) for the answer you obtained in #3. Accepted value ΔHrxn =
answer obtained in #4. Assume a % error ≤ 15% is a reasonable result and that the results compare well
with the accepted value.

accepted value − measured value

% error = × 100%
accepted value
6. Print a copy of your results from Logger Pro for each of your three reactions (See Logger Pro instructions
below). Each of the three data sets must include the table of data, the graph, graph title, your name, TA
name, lab section and statistics box. (Essentially you are printing the entire page on Logger Pro.) When you
select print, you will be prompted to complete the footer name (your TA and section number). You should

[26]
CH204 Experiment 2: Enthalpy of Chemical Reactions – Hess’s Law spring 2015

also check all the boxes before you print. An example of a printed data sheet from logger pro is available at
the end of experiment 1 (page 17). Attach the three data sheets to your lab report.

PART II: ΔHf of MAGNESIUM OXIDE

In the previous experiment, you learned about the additivity of reaction heats as you confirmed Hess’s Law. In this
experiment, you will use this principle as you determine a heat of reaction that would be difficult to obtain by direct
measurement—the change of enthalpy of formation of magnesium oxide from it elements in their standard state. The
reaction is represented by the equation:

(4) Mg(s) + 1/2 O2(g) 

→ MgO(s)
This equation can be obtained by combining equations (1), (2), and (3):

(1) MgO(s) + 2 HCl(aq) 

→ MgCl2(aq) + H2O(l)

(2) Mg (s) + 2 HCl(aq) 

→ MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)

(3) H2(g) + 1/2 O2(g) 

→ H2O(l)

Heats of reaction for equations (1) and (2) will be determined in this experiment. As you may already know, ΔH for
reaction (3) is –285.83 kJ. You will summarize equations (1), (2), and (3) to obtain the enthalpy of formation of
MgO, equation (4).

MATERIALS
LabQuest Thermometer Probe 100 mL graduated cylinder
6.00 M HCl 250 mL beaker
2.00 M HCl (from previous dilution in part 1.) Styrofoam cup
magnesium oxide, MgO Analytical balance
magnesium turnings, Mg Logger Pro Software

For purposes of this experiment, you may assume that the heat loss to the calorimeter is 25.5 J/oC and to the
surrounding air is negligible. Members of the team should switch roles and conduct the following experiment.

1. Obtain and wear safety glasses.

2. Select File on the LabQuest then NEW.

3. In the upper right corner of the screen, tap mode with stylus (2c in figure 2 on page 11). In the box to the
right of “interval” delete the 0.5 and replace it with 15. Use the stylus to tap the box. A keyboard will
appear at the bottom of the screen. Using the backspace arrow, remove 0.5 and tap in the number 30.0 in
the box. In the box to the left of “length” remove 180s and replace with 480s, then tap OK. You are now
ready to measure the temperature at 30 second intervals for a period of 8 minutes.

Reaction 1:
1. Place a Styrofoam cup into a 250 mL beaker as shown in Figure 1. With a graduated cylinder, measure 100.0
mL of 6.0 M HCl into the Styrofoam cup. Cover with the lid, lower the temperature probe into the solution and

[27]
CH204 Experiment 2: Enthalpy of Chemical Reactions – Hess’s Law spring 2015

record the temperature of the solution every 30 seconds for 3-4 minutes. CAUTION: Handle the HCl solution
with care. It can cause painful burns if it comes in contact with the skin.

2. Weigh a watch glass. Weigh out about 1.00 g of magnesium oxide, MgO, on the pre-weighed watch glass.
Record the exact mass of MgO used in data table 3. CAUTION: Avoid inhaling magnesium oxide dust. (Note:
each student should reweigh the watch glass before weighing his or her MgO sample.)

3. Add the white magnesium oxide powder to the solution. Quickly cover the calorimeter with the lid and swirl the
cup contents until a maximum temperature has been reached and the temperature starts to drop.

4. Data collection will end after eight minutes.

5. Discard the solution as directed. Determine the Ti and Tf from the data collected by measurement on the
LabQuest and record in data table 4. Save the results on your USB drive (e.g. DCL Ex2 Part 2 rxn 1)

Reaction 2
1. Select the file cabinet next to RUN 1 and initiate RUN 2. Be sure RUN 1 has been saved on your USB before
you begin reaction 2.

2. Measure 120.0 mL of 2.0 M HCl into the Styrofoam cup. Repeat Steps 3a -3e for Reaction 1 using 2.0 M HCl
and approximately 0.50 g of magnesium turnings (ribbon). Record the exact mass used in data table 3.
CAUTION: Do not breathe the vapors produced in the reaction!

3. Once the reaction is complete and the highest temperature remains constant, you may stop the reaction before 8
minutes has lapsed.

4. Discard the solution as directed. Determine the Ti and Tf from the data collected by measurement on the
LabQuest and record in data table 4. Save the results on your USB drive (e.g. DCL Ex2 Part 2 rxn 2)

DATA TABLE 3 Mass (grams)

MgO
Mg

DATA TABLE 4 Reaction 1 Reaction 2

MgO + HCl Mg + HCl
Tf (°C)
Ti (°C)
ΔT (°C)

When you have completed the two reactions, turn off the LabQuest device by pushing the on/off button for a couple
of seconds (it will take another 3 seconds or so for the screen to go black). Remove your USB and analyze the data
in the Logger Pro software that you downloaded from the Vernier Web site. (Password was provided in previous e-
mail.) The Logger Pro software has also been loaded on the lab computers.

[28]
CH204 Experiment 2: Enthalpy of Chemical Reactions – Hess’s Law spring 2015

LOGGER PRO INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Launch the Logger Pro software. Open a data file from your USB drive.
2. Select and open your saved data (there should be 5 data sets saved on your USB drive).
3. A graph and a table of data points will appear. At this point you may want to reduce the size of your graph –
right click the graph and pull the box (located at the corners) inward until the graph is about half of its original
size.
4. Double click the graph. The title box will appear. Write the title of your graph (include your name in
parenthesis) in the title box area. See example in figure 2 below.
5. On the toolbar, select “Analyze”. On the drop down menu select statistics. The stats box will appear in your
graph.

Temperature vs. Time - Expt. 2, Rxn 1 (DC Lyon)

Do not transpose this graph

into your lab notebook.

Figure 2: Example Graph of Temperature vs. Time The temperature of the reaction is measured as a
function of time. Initially, the solution in the calorimeter is measured at time equal zero (Ti), which is the
minimum temperature of 22.98oC. When the reaction is initiated, the temperature is observed to increase.
As the heat is dispersed throughout the solution, some of the heat is lost to the calorimeter. The final
temperature of the solution (Tf) is the maximum temperature of 33.25oC.

DATA ANALYSIS (Show your work with the correct significant figures and with the proper units.)

1. Calculate the amount of heat energy, q, in kJ produced in each reaction. Use 1.01 g/mL for the density of
the HCl solutions. Use the specific heat of water, 4.184 J/(g•°C), for all solutions. Calorimeter constant:
25.5 J/oC. Convert joules to kJ in your final answer.
2. Determine ΔH. (ΔH = –q)
3. Determine the moles of MgO and Mg used.
4. Calculate ΔHrxn for MgO and Mg (kJ/mol rxn).
5. Determine ΔHf for MgO. Write the reaction summary (Hess’s Law of Summation, equations (1), (2), and
(3) with the corresponding ΔHrxn for MgO and Mg from question #4. (See directions and reaction scheme
below.) ΔHf = -285.83 kJ for Reaction (3).

[29]
CH204 Experiment 2: Enthalpy of Chemical Reactions – Hess’s Law spring 2015

In your lab notebook, combine and sum equations (1), (2), and (3) to determine the ∆Hf for equation (4). Use
the calculated values of ΔHrxn that you obtained from your experimental results. (See example under Hess’s
Law in background reading.)

ΔHrxn (kJ/mol)
(1) MgO(s) + 2 HCl(aq) 
→ MgCl2(aq) + H2O(l)

(2) Mg (s) + 2 HCl(aq) 

→ MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)

(3) H2(g) + 1/2 O2(g) → H2O(l) -285.83

___________________________________________________________________
(4) Mg(s) + 1/2 O2(g) 
→ MgO(s)

6. Determine the percent error for the answer you obtained in #5. Accepted value ΔHf = –602 kJ/mol.
Assume a % error ≤ 15% is a reasonable result and that the results compare well with the accepted value.

* % error = accepted value − measured value × 100% *Report as a positive value.

accepted value

7. Print a copy of your results from Logger Pro for each of your two reactions.

DISCUSSION (Attach written discussion to end of lab report and upload into SafeAssign.) 50 total points

1. In your own words, write the objectives of this experiment? (5 points)

Part I.
1. Briefly describe how the change of enthalpy of reaction was determined for reaction 3 in part 1 of the
experiment? Were the three reactions endothermic or exothermic? How did you know that the reactions
were endothermic or exothermic? (10 points)

2. You determined the value of ΔHrxn for reaction 3 by four different methods. One was determined by the
pre-lab calculations (Hess’s Law Equation), one was determined by summation of the of the pre-lab net
ionic equations by using the Table of Enthalpy of Formation (Q#4), one was obtained experimentally by
measuring the change of temperature for the reaction 3 and one was obtained experimentally using Hess’s
Law of summation. How did these four values of ΔHrxn compare? Was the ΔHrxn obtained experimentally
accurate? Explain. Suggest ways of improving your results. (10 points)

Part II.
Briefly describe how the enthalpy of formation of magnesium oxide was determined. Were the reactions in part II
endothermic or exothermic? How did you know that the reactions were endothermic or exothermic? Why was it
necessary to use two different concentrations of HCl in the reactions? (10 points)

3. How did the experimental summation value of the change of enthalpy of formation of magnesium compare
to the accepted value? Does this experiment process support Hess’s Law? How are ΔHrxn and ΔHf

[30]
CH204 Experiment 2: Enthalpy of Chemical Reactions – Hess’s Law spring 2015

different? Which part of the experiment demonstrated the change of the enthalpy per mole of reaction and
which part of the experiment demonstrated the standard molar enthalpy of formation for the reaction. (10
points)

4. Suggest ways of improving your results. (5 points)

Be sure to upload a copy of your discussion into SafeAssign before your next lab period.

References:
Zumdahl, S. S. Chemical Principles, 5th Edition, Houghton Miffin Company, 2005, pp. 242- 244, 248-253, 256-267.
Atkins, P.W.; Jones, L. L. Chemical Principles: The Quest for Insight, 3rd Edition, W. H. Freeman and Company,
2005, pp. F58, F63-F78, 616-618, A11-A15.

[31]