Final answer:
To calculate the heat released when 40.0 g of ethanol cools from -120 °C to -136 °C, we need to consider the specific heat capacities of ethanol in different phases (solid, liquid, and gas). By calculating the heat absorbed in each phase and summing it up, we find that the total heat released is 320 J.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the heat released when 40.0 g of ethanol cools from -120 °C to -136 °C, we need to use the specific heat capacities of solid, liquid, and gas ethanol.
First, we need to calculate the heat absorbed by the ethanol when it heats up from -136 °C to its melting point at -114 °C, using the specific heat capacity of the solid phase:
Q1 = mass × specific heat capacity (solid) × temperature change
Q1 = 40.0 g × 0.5 J/g °C × (-114 °C - (-136 °C))
Next, we need to calculate the heat absorbed by the ethanol when it melts from -114 °C to 78 °C, using the specific heat capacity of the liquid phase:
Q2 = mass × specific heat capacity (liquid) × temperature change
Q2 = 40.0 g × 1.0 J/g °C × (78 °C - (-114 °C))
Finally, we need to calculate the heat absorbed by the ethanol when it cools down from 78 °C to -120 °C, using the specific heat capacity of the gas phase:
Q3 = mass × specific heat capacity (gas) × temperature change
Q3 = 40.0 g × 2.0 J/g °C × (-120 °C - 78 °C)
The total heat released is the sum of Q1, Q2, and Q3:
Total heat released = Q1 + Q2 + Q3
By calculating these values, we find that the total heat released is 320 J. Therefore, the correct answer is 320 J.