Chapter 6, Problem 6.96P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

$\Delta H_{\text{rxn}}^{°}$ of the reaction between $\text{ClF}$ and ${\text{F}}_{\text{2}}$ to yield ${\text{ClF}}_3$ is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Hess’s law is used to calculate the enthalpy change of an overall reaction that can be derived as a sum of two or more reaction. According to Hess’s law $\Delta H$ of an overall reaction is equal to the sum of the enthalpy change for each individual reaction. $\Delta H_{\text{overall rxn}}=\Delta H_1+\Delta H_2+\mathrm{.......}+\Delta H_{\text{n}}$

Enthalpy is a state function so the value depends upon the initial state and final state not on the path so $\Delta H$ of an overall reaction can be calculated by the addition or subtraction of the individual steps whose $\Delta H$ is known.