Chapter 5, Problem 5.37QE

One step in the manufacturing of sulfuric acid is the conversion of SO₂(g) to SO₃(g). The thermochemical equation for this process is

${\text{SO}}_{\text{2}}\left(\text{g}\right)+\frac{1}{2}{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\left(\text{g}\right)\to {\text{SO}}_{\text{3}}\left(\text{g}\right)\Delta H=-98.9\text{kJ}$

The second step combines the SO₃ with H₂O to make H₂SO₄.

1. (a) Calculate the enthalpy change that accompanies the reaction to make 1.00 kg SO₃(g).
2. (b) Is heat absorbed or released in this process?