Zaymiey

🧪 Chemistry  ·  Thermodynamics  ·  NEET & JEE

Given ΔHf(CO<sub>2</sub>) = −393.5, ΔHf(H<sub>2</sub>O, l) = −285.8 and ΔHf(C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>5</sub>OH, l) = −277.0 kJ/mol, the standard enthalpy of combustion of ethanol is:

Answer: −1367 kJ/mol.

  • A −1367 kJ/mol
  • B −1644 kJ/mol
  • C −1090 kJ/mol
  • D −2734 kJ/mol

Correct answer: A. −1367 kJ/mol

Explanation: C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>5</sub>OH + 3O<sub>2</sub> → 2CO<sub>2</sub> + 3H<sub>2</sub>O: ΔH = [2(−393.5) + 3(−285.8)] − (−277.0) = −1644.4 + 277 = −1367 kJ/mol.

P-V Diagram: Isothermal vs Adiabatic ExpansionVPIsothermal (T constant)Adiabatic (q=0)Adiabatic curve is steeper: no heat enters to cushion the pressure drop

Isothermal expansion follows a gentler curve (heat flows in to keep T constant) while adiabatic expansion drops in pressure more steeply (no heat exchange, so internal energy and temperature fall as the gas does work).

Concept context

Study energy changes in chemical reactions. Understand enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy, and the laws of thermodynamics that decide whether a reaction will occur spontaneously or not.

Read the full Thermodynamics notes →