DETERMINATION OF THE HEAT OF FORMATION

FOR MAGNESIUM OXIDE

INTRODUCTION:
When a reaction can be expressed as the algebraic sum of a sequence of two or more other reactions, the heat of
reaction is the algebraic sum of the heats of these other reactions. This generalization has been found to be true
for every reaction that has ever been tested and in known as Hess’ Law. You will use this generalization to
determine the heat for a reaction that is difficult to measure directly. Magnesium metal burns rapidly, releasing
light and heat, as you may have observed in photo flashbulbs or in burning magnesium ribbon. The reaction is
represented by the equation:

Mg(s) + ½ O2(g)  MgO(s) Equation #1

This equation can be obtained indirectly by combining three other equations:

MgO(s) + 2HCl(aq)  MgCl2(aq) + H2O(l) Equation #2 ∆H = ___________
Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq)  MgCl2(aq) + H2(g) Equation #3 ∆H = ___________
H2(g) + ½ O2(g)  H2O(l) Equation #4 ∆H = -285.8 kJ/mol

Heats of reaction for equations 2 and 3 will be experimentally determined using a styrofoam calorimeter. The
heat for reaction 4 can be obtained from a heats of formation table, since this reaction represents a formation of
a compound from the elements.

EQUIPMENT: REAGENTS:
Styrofoam calorimeter with a lid magnesium oxide, powdered
100-mL graduated cylinder magnesium ribbon
thermometer 1.0M hydrochloric acid

SAFETY INFORMATION:
HCl is a strong acid and may cause severe burns. Wear goggles and wash spills with large amounts of water.
Keep Mg metal away from flame. MgO is toxic by inhalation of fume or dust. Note that the product of
equation 3 is hydrogen gas which is flammable. Don’t perform this experiment near an open flame.

PROCEDURE/DATA:
Part 1: MgO reacting with HCl
1. Measure 20.0mL of 2.0M HCl and add to a clean calorimeter. Record the temperature. _____ oC
2. Accurately measure and record the mass of approximately 0.35 gram of magnesium oxide. _____ g
3. Add the magnesium oxide to the calorimeter quickly while stirring.
4. Measure and record the final (maximum) temperature reached. _____ oC
5. Pour the contents of the calorimeter down the drain and rinse out your calorimeter.

Part 2: Mg reacting with HCl

6. Weigh the strip of magnesium ribbon provided for you. It should weigh approximately 0.2g. _____ g
7. Measure 20.0mL of 2.0M HCl and add to calorimeter. Record the temperature. _____oC
8. Add the magnesium ribbon to the calorimeter quickly while stirring.
9. Measure and record the final (maximum) temperature reached. _____oC
10. Put away all materials and clean your lab area when you are finished.
QUESTIONS/CALCULATIONS:
1. Calculate the heat energy that was transferred (in kilojoules) in the calorimeter during the reaction of MgO
and HCl (part 1). Assume the specific heat of the solution is 4.18 J/g˚C.

2. Calculate the moles of MgO used in the reaction (part 1).

3. Calculate the change in energy(kJ) per mole of MgO (part 1).

4. Is the reaction from part 1 endothermic or exothermic?

5. Express your answer from question 3 as H. This is the enthalpy change for equation #2. Write it in the
blank next to equation #2 on the front of this sheet. Be sure to include the correct sign on the number.

6. Calculate the heat energy that was transferred (in kilojoules) in the calorimeter during the reaction of Mg
and HCl (part 2).

7. Calculate the moles of Mg used in the reaction (part 2).

8. Calculate the change in energy(kJ) per mole of Mg (part 2).

9. Is the reaction from part 2 endothermic or exothermic?

10. Express your answer from question 8 as H. This is the enthalpy change for equation #3. Write it in the
blank next to equation #3 on the front of this sheet. Be sure to include the correct sign on the number.

11. Using your results and Hess’ Law, calculate the heat of formation for magnesium oxide (Equation #1).
Show your work adding the equations and heats together in the space below.

12. Calculate your percent error. (The accepted value for the Hf is -601.8 kJ/mol)