WRITING

THERMOCHEMICAL
EQUATION
 Thermochemical Reaction
Balance chemical equations that show the
enthalpy relation between products and
reactants
𝐻2 𝑔 + 𝐶𝑙2 𝑔 → 2𝐻𝐶𝑙 𝑔 ; ∆𝐻 = −185𝑘𝐽
Exothermic reaction: 185 kJ of heat is
evolved when 2 moles of HCl are formed.
 2𝐻𝑔𝑂 𝑠 → 2𝐻𝑔 𝑙 + 𝑂2 𝑔 ; ∆𝐻 = +182 𝑘𝐽
Endothermic reaction: 182 kJ of heat must
be absorbed to decompose 2 moles of HgO
The sign of ∆𝐻 indicates whether the
reaction is endothermic(+) or exothermic(-)
Coefficients in the equations represent the
numbers of moles of reactants and products
Phases must be specified (s), (l), (g), (aq)
The value quoted for ∆𝐻 applies when
products and reactants are the same
temperature, usually 25°𝐶 or 298.15 𝐾
 RULES IN WRITING THERMOCHEMICAL
EQUATION
1. When heat is lost, the ΔH value is
negative. The heat value may also be
given in the equation itself as a product.
Ex.
CH4 (g) + 2O2 —> CO2 (g) + 2H2O (l)
ΔH= -890.4 kJ
2. When heat is gained, the ΔH value is
positive. The heat value may also be given
in the equation itself as a reactant.
Ex.
H2O (s) —> H2O (l) ΔH= +6.01 kJ
3. Since heat is a state function, the ΔH value
for the same equation may be different if it
occurs in different physical states.
Therefore, all physical states must be written
in the equation.
Ex.
H2O (s) —> H2O (l) ; ΔH= +6.01 kJ
H2O (l) —> H2O (g) ; ΔH= +44 kJ
 The same reactant and product of water but
in different physical states yields different
enthalpy or ΔH values!
4. If a reaction is reversed then the enthalpy
(ΔH) value will also be reversed. Hence a +
becomes a – and vise versa.
Ex.
H2O (s) —> H2O (l) ; ΔH= +6.01 kJ
H2O (l) —> H2O (s) ; ΔH= – 6.01 kJ
5. If we change the stoichiometric coefficients
in the chemical reaction, then we also
change the enthalpy (ΔH)
value proportionally! Therefore, if you
double the reactants, you will double the
products and also double the enthalpy (ΔH)
and so on…
Ex.
H2O (s) —> H2O (l) ; ΔH= +6.01 kJ
a) If we double the coefficients, we must also
double the ΔH. Think of it as multiplying the
entire equation by 2.
Ex. 2H2O (s) —> 2H2O (l) ; ΔH= +12.02 kJ
b) If we triple the coefficients, we must also
triple the ΔH. Think of it as multiplying the
entire equation by 3.
Ex.3H2O (s) —> 3H2O (l) ; ΔH= +18.03 kJ
c) If we half the coefficients, we must also half
the ΔH. Think of it as multiplying the entire
equation by ½.
Ex. ½ H2O (s) —> ½ H2O (l) ; ΔH= +3.005kJ
d) If we double the coefficients AND reverse,
we must also double the ΔH AND
REVERSE the sign of ΔH.
Ex. 2H2O (l) —> 2H2O (s) ; ΔH= – 12.02 kJ
Examples:
1. Write the thermochemical equation for the
reaction of PCl3(g) with Cl2(g) to make
PCl5(g), which has an enthalpy change of −88
kJ.
Answer:
The thermochemical equation is
PCl3(g) + Cl2(g) → PCl5(g); ΔH = −88 kJ
2.Write the thermochemical equation for the
reaction of N2(g) with O2(g) to make
2NO(g), which has an enthalpy change of
181 kJ.
Answer:
N2(g) + O2(g) → 2 NO(g); ΔH = 181 kJ
3. Consider this thermochemical equation.
2 CO(g) + O2(g) → 2 CO2(g); ΔH = −565 kJ
Is it exothermic or endothermic? How much
energy is given off or absorbed?
Answer:
By definition, a chemical reaction that has a
negative ΔH is exothermic, meaning that this
much energy—in this case, 565 kJ—is given off
by the reaction.
4. Consider this thermochemical equation.
CO2(g) + H2(g) → CO(g) + H2O(g)
ΔH = 42 kJ
Is it exothermic or endothermic? How much
energy is given off or absorbed?
Answer:
Endothermic; 42 kJ are absorbed.