1
$\begingroup$

Reaction: $\ce{2Al + 3Cl2 → 2AlCl3}$

Answer: We must have either temperature, or the values of P and ΔV in order to calculate ΔE from ΔΗ.

Since ΔH is given, we can use the formula ΔE=ΔH-PΔV to calculate change in internal energy, and only pressure and ΔV are required to calculate ΔΕ. So my question is, why do we need temperature in this question?

$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

1
$\begingroup$

Because:

1) your question assumes that the volumes of the solids ($\ce{Al}$ and $\ce{AlCl3}$) are negligible compared to the volume of the $\ce{Cl2}$ gas. This means that $\Delta V \approx V(\ce{Cl2})$.

2) your question assumes that chlorine gas behaves ideally. This means that $V(\ce{Cl2}) = \frac{nRT}{p}$.

In the end, it means you only need two of the three variables ($p$, $T$, $V$) in order to obtain all the information you want.

I would however be very careful about using molar quantities, in particular $V_m$ (since $p$ and $T$ are intensive properties), if the question is asking you to find $\Delta H$ and $\Delta E$ in terms of $\text{kJ mol}^{-1}$.

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.