Chapter 9.4, Problem 9.4AFP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The enthalpy of the following reaction used for the synthesis of ammonia is to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

The heat of the reaction $\left(\Delta H_{\text{rxn}}^{°}\right)$ is defined as the heat released or absorbed during a chemical reaction as a result of the difference in the bond energies (BE) of reactant and product in the reaction. $\Delta H_{\text{rxn}}^{°}$ is negative for exothermic reaction and $\Delta H_{\text{rxn}}^{°}$ is positive for an endothermic reaction.

The formula to calculate $\Delta H_{\text{rxn}}^{°}$ of reaction is as follows:

$\Delta H_{\text{rxn}}^{°}=\sum \Delta H_{\text{reactant bond broken}}^{°}+\sum \Delta H_{\text{product bond formed}}^{°}$

Or,

$\Delta H_{\text{rxn}}^{°}=\sum {\text{BE}}_{\text{reactant bond broken}}-\sum {\text{BE}}_{\text{product bond formed}}$

The bond energy of reactants is positive and the bond energy of products is negative.