Difference Between Enthalpy of

Combustion and Enthalpy of Formation

 Enthalpy of Combustion (ΔH∘c)
• The enthalpy of combustion of a substance is
defined as the heat energy given out when one
mole of a substance burns completely in oxygen.
• Combustion reactions are exothermic so the value
for the enthalpy change (ΔH) is always negative.
• Enthalpies of combustion can be used to compare
which fuels or substances release the most energy
when they are burned.
• They can be calculated using a bomb calorimeter.
Bomb Calorimeter
Several measurements must be taken:

• Starting temperature of the water

• Final temperature of the water

• Mass of the burner before the experiment

• Mass of the burner after heating

• Temperature change
 Enthalpy of Formation (ΔHf°)
• The standard enthalpy of formation is an enthalpy
change for a reaction in which exactly 1 mole of a
pure substance is formed from free elements in their
most stable states under standard state conditions.
• A stable state may be in solid, liquid or gas form.
• Standard conditions include a temperature of of 25
°C and a pressure of 1 atmosphere.
• Using known values of standard enthalpies of
formation, the enthalpy change for any reaction can
be determined
• Enthalpy of formation could be either positive
or negative.

• It is useful for computing or predicting enthalpy

changes for chemical reactions that are
impractical or dangerous to carry out, or for
processes for which it is difficult to make
measurements.