Statistical Molecular

Thermodynamics
Christopher J. Cramer
Video 1.4
The Hydrogen Chloride Cannon

Common Thermo Question:

What Will Happen If I Mix Stuff?
What if I mix Cl2 with H2? Will I spontaneously get HCl?

Cl2 + H 2 "
" 2HCl
Cl2 bond = 242 kJ/mol

HCl bond = 431 kJ/mol

H2 bond = 436 kJ/mol

breaking 2 bonds costs

making 2 bonds releases

H = ( 436 + 242) kJ mol1 + 2 431 kJ mol1

H = 184 kJ mol1

Energy Release Going Downhill

ENTHALPY

Cl2 + H 2 "
" 2HCl

Cl 2 + H 2
H = 184 kJ mol1

2HCl

Energy Release May Face A Barrier

ol

6 kJ/m

Cl 2 + H 2

hill 42

down

ENTHALPY

Cl + Cl + H 2

2HCl

This energy
out will get
the next one
over the hill

Self assessment insert here

Verification that 485 nm breaks Cl2 bond
multiple answers with color next to
wavelength upon answering?

And Once The Reaction Is Started?

Cl
Cl

The reaction releases 184 kJ/mol in heat.

The temp will go up (assume an ideal
diatomic gas at high temp)

U U
U = CV T ""
T =
=
6323 K
CV 7 R
2
At constant volume, the pressure will go
up (Amontons Law),
# 300 K + 6323 K &
P2 T2
=
!!
P2 = (1 atm) %
( 22 atm
P1 T1
300 K
$
'

Next: Atomic Energy Levels