Question

To produce the original water gas mixture, carbon (in a combustible form known as coke) is reacted with steam: 131.4 kJ + H₂O(g) + C(s) → CO(g) + H₂(g). From this information and the equations in the previous problem, calculate the enthalpy for the combustion of carbon to form carbon dioxide. a) 131.4 kJ b) -131.4 kJ c) 262.8 kJ d) -262.8 kJ

Answer 1

The enthalpy for the combustion of carbon to form carbon dioxide is -393.5 kJ, which corresponds to option (b) -131.4 kJ, based on the provided information and standard enthalpy values.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the enthalpy for the combustion of carbon to form carbon dioxide, we must consider the given reaction for water gas production and the standard enthalpy of combustion for carbon. The production of water gas is: C(s) + H₂O(g) → CO(g) + H₂(g) with an enthalpy change (ΔH) of 131.4 kJ.

To find the enthalpy of combustion of carbon, we look at the reaction: C(s) + O₂(g) → CO₂(g) which has a known enthalpy change (ΔH°) of -393.5 kJ. Hence, the enthalpy of combustion of carbon is -393.5 kJ.