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Energy Cycle Calculations (CIE A Level Chemistry)

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Energy Cycle Calculations

  • The energy cycle involving the enthalpy change of solution (ΔHsolθ), lattice energy (ΔHlattθ), and enthalpy change of hydration (ΔHhydθ) can be used to calculate the different enthalpy values
  • According to Hess’s law, the enthalpy change of the direct and of the indirect route will be the same, such that:

ΔHhydθ = ΔHlattθ + ΔHsolθ

  • This equation can be rearranged depending on which enthalpy value needs to be calculated
  • For example, ΔHlattθ can be calculated using:

 ΔHlattθ = ΔHhydθ - ΔHsolθ

  • Remember: the total ΔHhydθ is found by adding the ΔHhydθ values of both anions and cations together
  • Remember: take into account the number of each ion when completing calculations
    • For example, MgCl2 has two chloride ions, so when completing calculations this will need to be accounted for
    • In this case, you would need to double the value of the hydration enthalpy, since you are hydrating 2 moles of chloride ions instead of 1

Worked example

Calculate the ΔHθ of the chloride ion in potassium chloride using the following data:

  • ΔHlattθ [KCl] = -711 kJ mol-1
  • ΔHsolθ [KCl] = +26 kJ mol-1 
  • ΔHhydθ [K+] = -322 kJ mol-1

Answer:

  • Step 1: Draw the energy cycle of KCl

Chemical Energetics - Energy Cycle KCl, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

  • Step 2: Apply Hess’s law  to find ΔHhydθ [Cl-]
    • ΔHhydθ = (ΔHlattθ[KCl]) + (ΔHsolθ[KCl])
    • Hhydθ[K+]) + (ΔHhydθ[Cl-])   =  (ΔHlattθ[KCl]) + (ΔHsolθ[KCl])
    • Hhydθ[Cl-])   = (ΔHlattθ[KCl]) + (ΔHsolθ[KCl]) - (ΔHhydθ[K+])
  • Step 3: Substitute the values to find ΔHhyd [Cl-]
    • ΔHhydθ [Cl-]   = (-711) + (+26) - (-322) = -363 kJ mol-1

Worked example

Calculate the ΔHθhyd of the magnesium ion in the magnesium chloride using the following data:

  • ΔHlattθ [MgCl2] = -2592 kJ mol-1
  • ΔHsolθ [MgCl2] = -55 kJ mol-1 
  • ΔHhydθ [Cl] = -363 kJ mol-1

Answer:

  • Step 1: Draw the energy cycle of MgCl2

 

Chemical Energetics - Energy Cycle MgCl2, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

  • Step 2: Apply Hess’s law  to find ΔHhyd [Mg2+]
    • ΔHhydθ = (ΔHlattθ[MgCl2]) + (ΔHsolθ [MgCl2])
    • Hhydθ[Mg2+]) + (2ΔHhydθ [Cl-])   = (ΔHlatθ [MgCl2]) + (ΔHsolθ [MgCl2])
    • Hhydθ[Mg2+])   = (ΔHlattθ[MgCl2]) + (ΔHsolθ[MgCl2]) - (2ΔHhydθ[Cl-])
  • Step 3: Substitute the values to find ΔHhydθ[Mg2+]
    • ΔHhydθ[Mg2+]  = (-2592) + (-55) - (2 x -363) = -1921 kJ mol-1

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Philippa

Author: Philippa

Expertise: Chemistry

Philippa has worked as a GCSE and A level chemistry teacher and tutor for over thirteen years. She studied chemistry and sport science at Loughborough University graduating in 2007 having also completed her PGCE in science. Throughout her time as a teacher she was incharge of a boarding house for five years and coached many teams in a variety of sports. When not producing resources with the chemistry team, Philippa enjoys being active outside with her young family and is a very keen gardener.