AS LEVEL

Delivery Guide
H032

CHEMISTRY A
Theme: Enthalpy Changes
April 2015
We will inform centres about any changes to the specification. We will also
publish changes on our website. The latest version of our specification will
always be the one on our website (www.ocr.org.uk) and this may differ from
printed versions.

Copyright 2015 OCR. All rights reserved.

Copyright
OCR retains the copyright on all its publications, including the specifications.
However, registered centres for OCR are permitted to copy material from this
specification booklet for their own internal use.

Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations is a Company Limited by Guarantee.

Registered in England. Registered company number 3484466.

Registered office: 1 Hills Road

Cambridge
CB1 2EU

OCR is an exempt charity.

AS LEVEL
CHEMISTRY A

CONTENTS
Introduction Page 4

Curriculum Content Page 5

Thinking Conceptually Page 7

Thinking Contextually Page 14

Learner Resources Page 16

3
Introduction

Delivery guides are designed to represent a body of

knowledge about teaching a particular topic and contain:
KEY
Content: A clear outline of the content covered by the Click to view associated resources
delivery guide; within this document.
Thinking Conceptually: Expert guidance on the key
concepts involved, common difficulties students may
have, approaches to teaching that can help students Click to view external resources
understand these concepts and how this topic links
conceptually to other areas of the subject;
Thinking Contextually: A range of suggested teaching
activities using a variety of themes so that different
activities can be selected which best suit particular
classes, learning styles or teaching approaches.

If you have any feedback on this Delivery Guide or

suggestions for other resources you would like OCR to
develop, please email resourcesfeedback@ocr.org.uk.

4
Curriculum Content

The specification states the following learning outcomes.

3.2.1 Enthalpy changes
(a) explanation that some chemical reactions are accompanied by enthalpy changes that are exothermic (H, negative)
or endothermic (H, positive)
(b) construction of enthalpy profile diagrams to show the difference in the enthalpy of reactants compared with products
(c) qualitative explanation of the term activation energy, including use of enthalpy profile diagrams
(d) explanation and use of the terms:
(i) standard conditions and standard states (physical states under standard conditions)
(ii) enthalpy change of reaction (enthalpy change associated with a stated equation)
(iii) enthalpy change of formation (formation of 1 mol of a compound from its elements)
(iv) enthalpy change of combustion (complete combustion of 1 mol of a substance)
(v) enthalpy change of neutralisation (formation of 1 mol of water from neutralisation)
(e) determination of enthalpy changes directly from appropriate experimental results, including use of the relationship:
q = mcT
(f ) (i) explanation of the term average bond enthalpy (breaking of 1 mol of bonds in gaseous molecules)
(ii) explanation of exothermic and endothermic reactions in terms of enthalpy changes associated with the breaking
and making of chemical bonds
(iii) use of average bond enthalpies to calculate enthalpy changes and related quantities (see also 2.2.2 f )
(g) Hess law for construction of enthalpy cycles and calculations to determine indirectly:
(i) an enthalpy change of reaction from enthalpy changes of combustion
(ii) an enthalpy change of reaction from enthalpy changes of formation
(iii) enthalpy changes from unfamiliar enthalpy cycles
(h) the techniques and procedures used to determine enthalpy changes directly and indirectly.

5
Curriculum Content

Students will need to be able to

Construct enthalpy profile diagrams to show the difference in the enthalpy of reactants compared with products
Give a qualitative explanation of the term activation energy, including use of enthalpy profile diagrams
Explain and use the terms exothermic and endothermic reactions in terms of enthalpy
Understand changes associated with the breaking and making of chemical bonds
Give an explanation of the term average bond enthalpy (breaking of 1 mol of bonds in gaseous molecules)
Use average bond enthalpies to calculate enthalpy changes and related quantities
Recognise and recall the techniques and procedures used to determine enthalpy changes directly and indirectly.
Use Hess law for construction of enthalpy cycles and calculations to determine indirectly:
An enthalpy change of reaction from enthalpy changes of combustion
An enthalpy change of reaction from enthalpy changes of formation

6
Thinking Conceptually

Exothermic and Endothermic Reactions

In the following sections it is very important to remember
that students still have issues differentiating between
temperature and heat, i.e. one being the measurement
(measured in oC or K depending upon the context) and the
other being the energy term (measured in Joules (J). Some
time should be spent beforehand probing students ideas
before undertaking this section of work.
Experiments for this can be found:
http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/practical-physics/mixing-
hot-and-cold-water
http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/practical-physics/heat-
and-temperature
Approaches to teaching the content
Students need to be aware that when something feels cold
that this a transfer of heat energy away from your hand and
when something feels warm then this is a transfer of heat
energy to the hand. With this in mind the following simple
experiments can be carried out to allow the students to
experience this.
The initial idea of the experiment is to determine if the
temperature of the reaction increases or decreases. In other
words if the reaction temperature increases then there is
heat energy given out from the reaction so the reaction
is EXOTHERMIC. Also, if the temperature of the reaction
decreases then heat energy is being taken in from the
surroundings so this reaction is ENDOTHERMIC.

7
Thinking Conceptually

Reaction Profile Diagrams

Reaction profile diagrams are a way of introducing students This should then overcome the misconception.
to show how the reaction has proceeded in a graphical/
Further information can be found at: www.rsc.org : Vanessa Kind
diagrammatical way. It is important for them to fully understand
Students misconceptions about basic chemical ideas.
what is actually going on at the bond breaking level in order to fully
appreciate the concept. In this concept it is very important that the It should now be pointed out to the students that the energy
student understands that the energy given out is what is left over given out in Exothermic reactions is given as a negative value and a
after the new bonds have been formed in Exothermic reactions for positive value in Endothermic reactions
example and vice versa.
The different types of reactions, both Endothermic and
Approaches to teaching the content Endothermic, can be shown diagrammatically by using reaction
profile diagrams.
This section requires the uses of molecular models such as
Molymods to show the concept. The following Youtube video will help to describe this:
(In this section it is assumed that the students can already https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GQ1ZLZB2i8
construct and balance equations as this relies on the
The students should then be encouraged to draw reaction profile
understanding that mass is always conserved and so this would
diagrams for the reactions encountered in the reactions they
follow that energy must also be conserved is a very important
carried out in the previous task.
concept for the teaching of the whole of this module)
Points to note as far as examination techniques are concerned:
A simple model of a reaction should now be considered. The
reaction between methane gas and oxygen - an everyday reaction. Both axes need to be labelled with time on the X-axis and
Students will be aware that the burning of methane in oxygen as energy on the Y-axis.
in a Bunsen burner is an exothermic reaction. If the reaction is exothermic then the final energy of the
products will be less than the starting energy and vice versa.
A model of a methane molecule with 2 oxygen molecules should
The Activation energy defined: the minimum quantity of
be constructed and then the products should then be constructed
energy which the reacting species must possess in order to
to show how to make carbon dioxide and 2 waters bonds of the
undergo a specified reaction. This should be labelled with a
methane and the oxygen must be broken and then reconstructed.
double ended arrow with Ea
Thus the excess energy given out is then as a result of the excess
The reactants and products should be labelled.
energy left over being given out.
CH4 + O2 ------------ CO2 + H20

8
Thinking Conceptually

Enthalpy Changes
Students should now have an idea about how reactions can be
described as in terms of energy gained or energy lost depending
upon how much energy is either lost or gained after the process of
bonds being broken and formed has been carried out. They should
now be able to describe this using the correct term of Enthalpy
Change which is given the symbol H ( meaning change in and
H meaning enthalpy or energy). Students should be made aware at
this point that this is measured in J mol-1.
In this unit there are four definitions that the students should
be able to define in order to attain the marks on a paper. The
usefulness and uses of enthalpy changes are explored further in
the full A Level when the topic of thermodynamics is studied in
further detail.
These definitions are often examined and as such the standard
conditions and states are often required. Students need to know
what they are and how they are defined. Students often miss these
out when defining such quantities and lose marks.
Reference: Examiners reports found online
http://www.ocr.org.uk/i-want-to/download-past-papers/
Definitions
Standard Enthalpy Change of Reaction (rH) - The enthalpy change
that accompanies a reaction in the molar quantities expressed in
a chemical equation under standard conditions, all reactants and
products being in their standard states.
Enthalpy change of formation (fH) - The enthalpy change that
takes place when one mole of a compound in its standard state is
formed from its constituent elements in their standard states under
standard conditions.
Enthalpy change of combustion (cH) - The enthalpy change when
one mole of an element or compound reacts completely with
oxygen under standard conditions.
Enthalpy change of neutralisation (nH) - The change in enthalpy
that occurs when one equivalent of an acid and one equivalent of
a base undergo a neutralization reaction to form water and a salt.
It is a special case of the enthalpy of reaction. It is defined as the
energy released with the formation of 1 mole of water.
Standard conditions for these are always:
A pressure of 100kilopascals (102kPa)
A temperature of 298K (25oC)
Reactants and products in physical states, normal for the
above conditions.
A concentration of 1.0mol dm-3 for solutions.
See attached card sort as an activity (Teacher Resource 1 and
Learner Resource 1)
The activity will test the students ability to spot the correct
definition, standard condition and nomenclature needed. There
are some incorrect answers; these can be removed if the groups
are struggling with the process. The incorrect answers could then
be put in at a later date to check understanding as a starter for the
next lesson for example.

9
Thinking Conceptually

Measurement of enthalpy changes directly by experimentation

Research has shown that students have a deep rooted issue with http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/practical-physics/absorbing-
energy being used up rather than being conserved. This is gained radiant-energy-different-surfaces
from their everyday experiences such as petrol being used up in
Alternatively having one student drink a hot drink and one drink
car etc. This misconception needs to be addressed before the next
a cold drink and use an infra red thermometer to show the
topic is considered. The teacher could revisit this by looking at the
differences in temperature of the outside of the throats of students
ways in which heat is absorbed by the hand from different sources
before and after drinking the material. A Health and safety warning
including the differences between black and white surfaces.
should be made here with regards to drinking hot liquids.

10
Thinking Conceptually

Activities Resources
Teaching sequence
How does the manufacturer of a food stuff determine how much energy is contained within a bag of crisps for example?
A few bags of crisps could be examined here to find out which has the most energy within them, there could be an
Click here to
opportunity for students to research which bags contain the least amount of energy. Which would they recommend
see the clip
to be the ones with the least energy?
The Bomb Calorimeter
The following video explains how a Bomb Calorimeter works:
Teacher
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohyA9amFfsc Resource
Rise in temperature of the water is recorded and the total energy is then calculated. 2

This can be replicated in the lab by carrying out a simple experiment and using the equation in Learner Resource 3 to
calculate the energy given out per mole of chemical.
See Teacher Resource 2 and Learner Resource 2 Learner
Resource
Further examples:
2

11
Thinking Conceptually

Activities Resources

(b) Solid ammonium thiocyanate, NH4SCN, reacts with solid barium hydroxide, Ba(OH)2, as shown in the equation
below.
2NH4SCN(s) + Ba(OH)2(s) Ba(SCN)2(s) + 2H2O(l) + 2NH3(g)
A research chemist carries out an experiment to determine the enthalpy change of this reaction.

thermometer boiling tube

mixture of ammonium thiocynate

and barium hydroxide

50g of water insulated beaker

In the experiment, 15.22g of NH4SCN is reacted with the slight excess of Ba(OH)2. The reaction absorbs energy,
cooling the 50.0g of water from 21.9oC to 10.9oC.
(i) Calculate the energy absorbed, in KJ, during this reaction.
The specific heat capacity of the water = 4.2Jg-1K-1.
energy = ............................................kJ (2)

Question taken from OCR Chemistry A F322 Jan 11 question paper - question 3b

12
Thinking Conceptually

Activities Resources

(a) A student investigates the reaction between magnesium and dilute hydrochloric acid.
Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)
The student determines the enthalpy change for this reaction.
In her experiment, she reacts 0.486g of magnesium with 50.0cm3 of 2.00mol dm-3 HCl(aq). The HCl(aq) is in
the excess.
(i) Calculate the energy released, in KJ, during this reaction.
The specific heat capacity of the water = 4.18Jg-1K-1.
The density of the solution in 1.00g cm-3.

energy = ............................................kJ (2)

(ii) Calculate the amount, in moles of magnesium used by the student.

amount = ............................................mol (1)

(iii) Calculate the enthalpy change of the reaction.

Give your answer to three significant figures.

Question taken from OCR Chemistry A F322 Jan 12 question paper - question 3a

13
Thinking Contextually

ACTIVITIES
Activities Resources
Exothermic and Endothermic Reactions
There are many examples in everyday life where both endothermic and exothermic reactions happen. For example,
self-heating cans for expedition food as used by outdoors enthusiasts provide an example of exothermic reactions.
The cooling packs used in sports injuries are examples of endothermic reactions where two chemicals mix to produce
an endothermic reaction to reduce the swelling.
Reference: Journal of chemical education 1994 71 p1056 Probing students misconceptions in students writing

Reaction Profile Diagrams

Following the activity in the conceptual chapter on reaction profile diagrams, students should be made aware at
this point that all reactions begin as endothermic processes as the diagrams show as energy is required to push the
reaction over the activation energy boundary. This could be related to the initial idea that methane gas will burn in
oxygen. However, this reaction will not proceed unless either a flame or a spark is present. This could be related to the
misconception that mobile phones should not be used when filling up your car with petrol or diesel. However, you
should not smoke whilst filling up your car. Should the clothing you wear also be taken into account?
Click here to
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkJdaU92Ln8 see the clip

14
Thinking Contextually

Activities Resources
Indirect measurement of enthalpy
Students have already been introduced to the concept of enthalpy changes being described as the energy left over
when all of the bonds have been broken and reformed. It is important as the research shows that these topics are not
taught as individual concepts as deep learning does not take place.
Ref : Chemical educational research and practice 2004, 5,301-305
Learner
So in this section the indirect measurement of enthalpy changes will be considered. This is done by considering both Resource
the use of average bond enthalpy calculations and Hesss Law to calculate enthalpies of formations and combustion. 3
In the teaching of using Bond Enthalpies it is very important that the students know and keep referring back to the
definition of a Bond Enthalpy.
The definition: the average enthalpy change that takes place when breaking 1 mole of a given bond in the molecule Learner
of a gaseous species under standard conditions. Resource
4
The important part that is often left out of definitions given at A Level is the term gaseous species, this should be
referred to regularly.
Students should also be made aware that they will not need to remember the actual values and that these will always
be given. Learner
Resource
See Learner Resources 3, 4 and 5. 5

15
Teacher Resource 1 Enthalpy definitions Card Sort
Group 1:
The enthalpy change
that occurs when
one mole of an See
acid and one mole page 9
Enthalpy of base undergo a
change of neutralisation reaction nH
neutralisation to form water and a
salt. It is defined as the
energy released with
the formation of one
mole of water.

Group 2:

The enthalpy
change that
Standard accompanies
Enthalpy of a a reaction in rH
reaction the reaction
under standard
conditions.

Group 3:
The enthalpy
change when
one mole of an
Enthalpy change element or a
rH
of formation compound reacts
completely
with oxygen
under standard
conditions.

Group 4:
The enthalpy change
that takes place
when one mole of a
compound is formed
Enthalpy change cH
in its standard state
of combustion from its constituent
elements in their
standard states under
standard conditions.

16
Teacher Resource 1 Enthalpy definitions Card Sort
Group 5:

Standard
conditions 100 kPa 298K 1 mol dm-3

Incorrect
cards: The enthalpy The enthalpy change
that occurs when
change that
one mole of an
accompanies a acid and one mole
reaction in the of base undergo a 1 Atmosphere
25OC
molar quantities neutralisation reaction of pressure
expressed to form water and a
salt. It is defined as the
in a reaction
energy released with
under standard the formation of one
conditions. mole of salt.

Reactants and
products in the
1 mol dm-3 state they are in at oxH formH
room temperature
and pressure.

The enthalpy change

that occurs when
one mole of an acid
and one mole of base
undergo a titration
to form water and a
salt. It is defined as the
energy released with
the formation of one
mole of salt.

17
Learner Resource 1 Enthalpy definitions Card Sort See
page 9

Standard Enthalpy change Enthalpy Enthalpy change

change of rH
Enthalpy of a of formation of combustion
reaction neutralisation

The enthalpy The enthalpy change

change that that takes place
accompanies a when one mole of a
reaction in the compound is formed
fH cH nH in its standard state
molar quantities
from its constituent
expressed
elements in their
in a reaction standard states under
under standard standard conditions.
conditions.

The enthalpy The enthalpy change

change when that occurs when one
mole of an acid and one
one mole of an
mole of base undergo a
element or a neutralisation reaction Standard 25OC 298K
compound reacts to form water and a conditions
completely salt. It is defined as the
with oxygen energy released with
the formation of one
under standard
mole of salt.
conditions.
The enthalpy change
that occurs when
one mole of an
acid and one mole
1 Atmosphere 100 kPa 1 mol dm-3 1 mol m-3
of base undergo a
of pressure neutralisation reaction
to form water and a
salt. It is defined as the
energy released with
the formation of one
mole of water.

The enthalpy change

The enthalpy that occurs when
change that one mole of an
acid and one mole Reactants and
accompanies products in the
of base undergo
a reaction in oxH formH
a titration to form state they are in at
the reaction water and a salt. It room temperature
under standard is defined as the
and pressure.
conditions. energy released with
the formation of one
mole of salt.

18
Teacher Resource 2 Measurement of enthalpy changes directly
by experimentation (to be used with Learner Resource 2)

See
page 11

The following experiment can be carried out to find the Time / seconds Temperature / oC
temperature rise or drop of each reaction:
0 24
http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/practical-chemistry/ 30 24
exothermic-metal-displacement-reactions
60 24
The equation used is: 90 24
q = mcT 120 24
150 24
m is the mass of the water used remember water has a density of
180 24
1 g cm-3
210 25
c is the specific heat capacity of water (4.2 kJ mol-1 K-1)
240 35
Whilst carrying out the experiment, the temperature of the copper 270 40
sulphate should be measured every 30 seconds for 4 minutes. The 300 45
metal should then be added and the temperature rise should be
recorded every 30 seconds and noted. This is recorded until the 330 50
temperature rises stops for at least three readings. The recordings 360 55
should then be plotted on a graph of temperature rise on the 390 61
y-axis vs time on the x-axis.
420 68
The following example can be used as a guide to calculate the 450 74
enthalpy change per mole. 480 78
In the following reaction: 510 78
540 78
250cm3 of water was heated by a pentan-1-ol burner for a period
of 10 minutes. The pentan-1-ol burner had a starting mass of 1.76g 570 78
and after 10 minutes had a mass of 0.0g. The following results were 600 78
obtained.

19
Teacher Resource 2 Measurement of enthalpy changes directly
by experimentation

See
page 11

The calculation is as follows:

q = mcT
m -mass of water = 250g
c specific heat capacity of water = 4.2
T change in temperature = 54oC
q = 250 x 4.2 x 54
q =56700 Joules for 1.76g of pentan-1-ol
To calculate into J mol-1
1.76 / 88 = 0.02 moles
56700 / 0.02 = 2835000 Jmol-1
Or 2835 kJ mol-1
This is then converted to -2835 kJ mol-1 as
the reaction is exothermic.
This should be emphasised to the
students as they will lose marks if the
correct sign is not assigned.
This figure also differs from the actual
value as heat is lost to the surroundings
unlike the bomb calorimeter which is
a closed system. This is an important
stipulations as research shows students
struggle with the difference of heat loss
in systems and surroundings.
Ref: Physics education 1977 12 p248
Calculation taken from F322 Chem A
paper OCR wed 3 June 2009

20
Teacher Resource 2 Measurement of enthalpy changes directly
by experimentation

See
page 11

An example of a bomb calorimeter:

By courtesy of Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., copyright 1997; used with permission.

21
Learner Resource 2 Measurement of enthalpy changes directly
by experimentation

See
page 11

The following experiment can be carried out to find the Time / seconds Temperature / oC
temperature rise or drop of each reaction:
0 24
http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/practical-chemistry/ 30 24
exothermic-metal-displacement-reactions
60 24
The equation used is: 90 24
q = mcT 120 24
150 24
m is the mass of the water used remember water has a density of
180 24
1 g cm-3
210 25
c is the specific heat capacity of water (4.2 kJ mol-1 K-1)
240 35
Whilst carrying out the experiment, the temperature of the copper 270 40
sulphate should be measured every 30 seconds for 4 minutes. The 300 45
metal should then be added and the temperature rise should be
recorded every 30 seconds and noted. This is recorded until the 330 50
temperature rises stops for at least three readings. The recordings 360 55
should then be plotted on a graph of temperature rise on the 390 61
y-axis vs time on the x-axis.
420 68
The following example can be used as a guide to calculate the 450 74
enthalpy change per mole. 480 78
In the following reaction: 510 78
540 78
250cm3 of water was heated by a pentan-1-ol burner for a period
of 10 minutes. The pentan-1-ol burner had a starting mass of 1.76g 570 78
and after 10 minutes had a mass of 0.0g. The following results were 600 78
obtained.

22
Learner Resource 2 Measurement of enthalpy changes directly
by experimentation

See
page 11

Plot the data on the graph below

The calculation is as follows:

q = mcT
m -mass of water = 250g
c specific heat capacity of water = 4.2

Using the graph work out T and then

calculate the heat energy q.
Temperature /0C

Time /s

23
Learner Resource 2 Measurement of enthalpy changes directly
by experimentation

See
page 11

Show all your working to give the value in kJ mol1

24
Learner Resource 2 Measurement of enthalpy changes directly
by experimentation

See
page 11

An example of a bomb calorimeter:

By courtesy of Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., copyright 1997; used with permission.

25
Teacher Resource 3 Bond Enthalpies (to be used with Learner Resource 3)

See
page 15

Example calculation:

H = the sum of the bonds broken the sum of the bonds formed

Or

H = bonds broken bonds formed

Example calculation:

This should be done in conjunction with molecular models to reinforce the idea that the Enthalpy change is the
energy left over after the energy from the bonds being broken and reformed is calculated.

The table below shows the values of some average bond enthalpies.

Average bond enthalpy /kJ mol1

CH +410
OH +465
O=O +500
C=O +805
CO +336

The equation below shows the combustion of methanol, CH3OH, in the gaseous state.

CH3OH(g) + 1O2(g)CO2(g) + 2H2O(g)

Using the average bond enthalpies in the table above, calculate the enthalpy change of combustion, cH, of
gaseous methanol.

cH = ............................................. kJ mol1

26
Teacher Resource 3 Bond Enthalpies (to be used with Learner Resource 3)

See
page 15

Answer:

Bonds broken: 3(CH) + (CO) + (OH) + 1.5 (O=O) = 2781 kJ

Bonds made: 2(C=O) + 4(OH) = 3470 kJ

cH =689 (kJ mol1)

This question was taken from the sample material

Chemistry A F322
http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/75089-unit-f322-chains-energy-and-resources-specimen.pdf

Example Calculations for bond enthalpies

Bond H-H C-C C=C N-H O-H O-O O=O C-H N=N C=O

MBE / kJ mol-1 436 348 612 388 463 146 496 412 944 743

Calculate the enthalpy changes in the following:

1. Ethene + hydrogen gas Ethane Answer = -136kJmol-1

2. Hydrogen Peroxide Hydrogen peroxide +1/2 Oxygen Answer = -102kJmol-1

3. The formation of ammonia from its constituent elements. Answer = -38kJmol-1

4. Propene + oxygen Carbon dioxide and water Answer = -1572kJmol-1

27
Learner Resource 3 Bond Enthalpies

See
page 15

Example calculation:

H = the sum of the bonds broken the sum of the bonds formed

Or

H = bonds broken bonds formed

Example calculation:

This should be done in conjunction with molecular models to reinforce the idea that the Enthalpy change is the
energy left over after the energy from the bonds being broken and reformed is calculated.

The table below shows the values of some average bond enthalpies.

Average bond enthalpy /kJ mol1

CH +410
OH +465
O=O +500
C=O +805
CO +336

The equation below shows the combustion of methanol, CH3OH, in the gaseous state.

CH3OH(g) + 1O2(g)CO2(g) + 2H2O(g)

Using the average bond enthalpies in the table above, calculate the enthalpy change of combustion, cH, of
gaseous methanol.

cH = ............................................. kJ mol1

28
Learner Resource 3 Bond Enthalpies

See
page 15

Example Calculations for bond enthalpies

Bond H-H C-C C=C N-H O-H O-O O=O C-H N=N C=O
MBE / kJ mol-1 436 348 612 388 463 146 496 412 944 743

Calculate the enthalpy changes in the following:

1. Ethene + hydrogen gas Ethane

2. Hydrogen Peroxide Hydrogen peroxide +1/2 Oxygen

3. The formation of ammonia from its constituent elements.

4. Propene + oxygen Carbon dioxide and water

29
Teacher Resource 4 Using Hesss law to calculate enthalpies of formation
and enthalpies of combustion (to be used with Learner Resource 4)

See
page 15

Remember that energy cannot be destroyed but is merely changed from one form into another. Hesss Law states
the enthalpy change accompanying a chemical change is independent of the route by which the chemical
change occurs.

fH Enthalpy of formation calculations

In order to carry out these calculations we have to draw a thermochemical cycle. See the example below:

Route 1
Ethane + Hydrogen Ethane

Route 2 Route 3

2C + 3H2

According to Hesss Law the enthalpy change will be the same for route 1 as it will be by adding the enthalpy
changes for route 2 and route 3 together.

However because Route 2 is not a formation reaction we change the sign on the value and add them together.

A worked example.

PbO(s) + CO(g) Pb(s) + CO2 (g)

Hf PbO = -219 Hf Pb = 0

Hf CO = -111 Hf CO2 = -394

Pb + C +O2

30
Teacher Resource 4 Using Hesss law to calculate enthalpies of formation
and enthalpies of combustion (to be used with Learner Resource 4)

See
page 15

All values are in kJ mol-1. The value of solid Pb is 0 as it is in its standard form.

So because PbO and CO are not being formed their values have their sign changed

Therefore 219 +111 + -394 = -64kJ mol-1

It is important to remember that if the material is not being formed and is being broken down then the sign
will change.

NB Easy way to remember the calculation in fH always change the sign on the LHS of the thermochemical cycle.

Example calculations Enthalpy of formulation calculations adapted from Calculations for A-Level Chemistry by
E Ramsden (Nelson Thornes, 2001), reprinted by permission of the publishers, Oxford University Press.

The following are all standard enthalpies of formation, f H, in kJ mol-1

CH4(g) -76; CO2(g) -394; H20(l) -286; H20(g) -242; NH3(g), -46.2; HNO3(l) -176

Calculate the standard enthalpy change at 298K for the reaction

CH4(g) + 2O2(g) CO2(g) + H2O(l) Answer = -890 kJmol-1

Calculate the standard enthalpy change for the reaction

1/
2 N2(g) + 3/2H2O(g) NH3(g) + 3/4O2(g) Answer = +317 kJmol-1

Calculate the standard enthalpy change for the reaction

1/
2 N2(g) + 1/2H2O(g) + 5/4O2(g) HNO3(l) Answer =-55 kJmol-1

31
Learner Resource 4 Using Hesss law to calculate enthalpies of formation
and enthalpies of combustion

See
page 15

Remember that energy cannot be destroyed but is merely changed from one form into another. Hesss Law states
the enthalpy change accompanying a chemical change is independent of the route by which the chemical
change occurs.

fH Enthalpy of formation calculations

In order to carry out these calculations we have to draw a thermochemical cycle. See the example below:

Route 1
Ethane + Hydrogen Ethane

Route 2 Route 3

2C + 3H2

According to Hesss Law the enthalpy change will be the same for route 1 as it will be by adding the enthalpy
changes for route 2 and route 3 together.

However because Route 2 is not a formation reaction we change the sign on the value and add them together.

A worked example.

PbO(s) + CO(g) Pb(s) + CO2 (g)

Hf PbO = -219 Hf Pb = 0

Hf CO = -111 Hf CO2 = -394

Pb + C +O2

32
Learner Resource 4 Using Hesss law to calculate enthalpies of formation
and enthalpies of combustion

See
page 15

All values are in kJ mol-1. The value of solid Pb is 0 as it is in its standard form.

So because PbO and CO are not being formed their values have their sign changed

Therefore 219+111 + -394 =

It is important to remember that if the material is not being formed and is being broken down then the sign
will change.

NB Easy way to remember the calculation in fH always change the sign on the LHS of the thermochemical cycle.

Example calculations Enthalpy of formulation calculations adapted from Calculations for A Level Chemistry by
E Ramsden (Nelson Thornes, 2001), reprinted by permission of the publishers, Oxford University Press.

The following are all standard enthalpies of formation, f H, in kJ mol-1

CH4(g) -76; CO2(g) -394; H20(l) -286; H20(g) -242; NH3(g), -46.2; HNO3(l) -176

Calculate the standard enthalpy change at 298K for the reaction

CH4(g) + 2O2(g) CO2(g) + H2O(l)

Calculate the standard enthalpy change for the reaction

1/
2 N2(g) + 3/2H2O(g) NH3(g) + 3/4O2(g)

Calculate the standard enthalpy change for the reaction

1/
2 N2(g) + 1/2H2O(g) + 5/4O2(g) HNO3(l)

33
Teacher Resource 5 cH Enthalpy of combustion calculations

See
page 15

As with the previous Enthalpy calculation it is helpful to draw a thermochemical cycle to help visualise what is
going on:

With this calculation we are calculating the enthalpy change when one mole of substance is burned completely
in oxygen under standard conditions.

Route 1
C2H2(g) + 3.5O2(g) + 2H2 C2H6(g) + 3.5O2(g)

2 3 4

2CO2(g) + 3H2O(l)

As before, we can calculate the overall enthalpy change by finding the enthalpy of combustion for 2 and 3 and
adding them to 4. This will give us the same answer as route 1 according to Hesss Law. However, this time we are
using combustion data as 2 and 3 are being combusted there is no need to change the sign on the RHS. The sign
does need to be changed for 4 as this is not being combusted.

So the data for the combustion of ethyne is -1301 kJmol-1 and hydrogen is -286 kJmol-1 this needs to be multiplied
by 2. And the enthalpy of combustion for ethane is -1560 kJmol-1.

34
Teacher Resource 5 cH Enthalpy of combustion calculations

See
page 15

Hence the calculation is as follows:

(-1301 + -572) + 1560 (the sign has been changed) = cH -313 kJ mol-1

So again as a rule of thumb in Enthalpy of combustion calculations are concerned you add all of the enthalpy
values together making sure you take into account the stoichiometry but remembering to REVERSE the sign on
the RHS of the equation.

Example calculations: Adapted from Mathematics for A Level Chemistry: A Course Companion by S Doyle, reprinted
by permission of the publishers, Illuminate Publishing.

The enthalpy of formation cannot be directly measured for Glucose C6H12O6 so we measure it from the enthalpy
of combustion data.

Substance Hc kJ mol-1
C(s) -394
H2(g) -286
C6H12O6(s) -2801

Write out a suitable equation and calculate the answer based upon the combustion cycle:

Answer= -1279 kJmol-1

35
Learner Resource 5 cH Enthalpy of combustion calculations

See
page 15

As with the previous Enthalpy calculation it is helpful to draw a thermochemical cycle to help visualise what is
going on:

With this calculation we are calculating the enthalpy change when one mole of substance is burned completely
in oxygen under standard conditions.

Route 1
C2H2(g) + 3.5O2(g) + C2H6(g) + 3.5O2(g)

2 3 4

2CO2(g) + 3H2O(l)

As before, we can calculate the overall enthalpy change by finding the enthalpy of combustion for 2 and 3 and
adding them to 4. This will give us the same answer as route 1 according to Hesss Law. However, this time we are
using combustion data as 2 and 3 are being combusted there is no need to change the sign on the RHS. The sign
does need to be changed for 4 as this is not being combusted.

So the data for the combustion of ethyne is -1301 kJmol-1 and hydrogen is -286 kJmol-1 this needs to be multiplied
by 2. And the enthalpy of combustion for ethane is -1560 kJmol-1.

36
Learner Resource 5 cH Enthalpy of combustion calculations

See
page 15

Hence the calculation is as follows:

(-1301 + -572) + 1560 (the sign has been changed) = cH -313 kJ mol-1

So again as a rule of thumb in Enthalpy of combustion calculations are concerned you add all of the enthalpy
values together making sure you take into account the stoichiometry but remembering to REVERSE the sign on
the RHS of the equation.

Example calculations: Adapted from Mathematics for A Level Chemistry: A Course Companion by S Doyle, reprinted
by permission of the publishers, Illuminate Publishing.

The enthalpy of formation cannot be directly measured for Glucose C6H12O6 so we measure it from the enthalpy
of combustion data.

Substance Hc kJ mol-1
C(s) -394
H2(g) -286
C6H12O6(s) -2801

Write out a suitable equation and calculate the answer based upon the combustion cycle:

37
 Wed like to know your view on the resources we produce. By clicking on the Like or Dislike button you can help us to ensure that our resources work for
you. When the email template pops up please add additional comments if you wish and then just click Send. Thank you.

If you do not currently offer this OCR qualification but would like to do so, please complete the Expression of Interest Form which can be found here: www.
ocr.org.uk/expression-of-interest

OCR Resources: the small print

OCRs resources are provided to support the teaching of OCR specifications, but in no way constitute an endorsed teaching method that is required by the Board and the decision to use them lies with the individual teacher. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the content, OCR cannot be held
responsible for any errors or omissions within these resources. We update our resources on a regular basis, so please check the OCR website to ensure you have the most up to date version.
OCR 2015 - This resource may be freely copied and distributed, as long as the OCR logo and this message remain intact and OCR is acknowledged as the originator of this work.
OCR acknowledges the use of the following content (usage does not imply endorsement):
Page 15, 16 and 17 Background image Viktoriya/Shutterstock.com Page 21 and 24 Bomb calorimeter by courtesy of Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., copyright 1997; used with permission Page 29 and page 31: Enthalpy of formulation calculations adapted from Calculations for A Level Chemistry by E Ramsden (Nelson
Thornes, 2001), reprinted by permission of the publishers, Oxford University Press. Page 33 and page 35: Adapted from Mathematics for A Level Chemistry: A Course Companion by S Doyle, reprinted by permission of the publishers, Illuminate Publishing

Please get in touch if you want to discuss the accessibility of resources we offer to support delivery of our qualifications: resources.feedback@ocr.org.uk

38
OCR customer contact centre
General qualifications
Telephone 01223 553998
Facsimile 01223 552627
Email general.qualifications@ocr.org.uk

For staff training purposes and as part of our quality assurance programme your call may be recorded or monitored.
OCR 2015 Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England.
Registered office 1 Hills Road, Cambridge CB1 2EU. Registered company number 3484466. OCR is an exempt charity.