Liquid ethanol combusts completely in oxygen according to the equation
C2H5OH(l)+3O2(g)→2CO2(g)+3H2O(l).
Thermodynamic data (standard conditions):
Substance
Energy value
C2H5OH(l)
−277.7kJ for 0.500mol
CO2(g)
−393.5kJmol−1
H2O(l)
−285.8kJmol−1
Density of liquid ethanol: 0.789gmL−1.
(a) Convert the energy value given for liquid ethanol to a molar standard enthalpy of formation, in kJmol−1.
(b) Calculate the standard enthalpy change, in kJ, for the combustion reaction as written.
(c) Determine the standard enthalpy change, in kJ, associated with burning exactly 1.00L of liquid ethanol under standard conditions. Include density and molar-mass calculations.
(d) Discuss two practical factors that could cause the actual heat released in a real-world combustion device to differ from the value calculated in part (c).