Questions
1. The apparatus below was used to measure the enthalpy change for the combustion of methanol. The table
shows the results which were obtained.
Mass (g)
Water in beaker 100.0
Mass of spirit burner + lid + 28.4
methanol at start
Mass of spirit burner + lid + 27.4
methanol after burning
C
Starting temperature 19
Final temperature 69
Temperature change = 69 C 19 C = 50 C
Energy released 4.2 j/C g x 100 g x 50 C = 21000J
Moles
o Mass of methanol burned: 27.42 g 28.44 g = 1.02g
o Moles = 1.02/32 = 0.032
o Molar energy: 21000J/0.032 = 656250 J/mol = - 656 kJ/mol
(b) What safety risk might there be in carrying out this experiment?
Methanol is flammable.
Hot beaker and hot water
Use a thermometer which measures to 0.5 C or to an even a smaller division instead of to 1C.
Use a balance which measures to 0.01g.
Repeat the experiment a few more times and average final results.
(d) Identify any experimental errors and for each error say how it will effect the final result.
2. Displacement reactions between metals and salt solutions of other metals are exothermic reactions. The set
up below can be used to measure the enthalpy change which takes place such a displacement reaction.
A student wanted to measure the molar enthalpy change of the displacement reaction between zinc and
copper sulphate.
(a) Use the data above to calculate the molar enthalpy of displacement between zinc and copper sulphate.
Temperature change = 48.5 21.5 = 27.0
Energy released 4.2 x 100 x 27.0 = 11340J
Molar enthalpy
o Moles = 0.5 mol/dm3 x 0.1 dm3 = 0.05 moles
o Molar enthalpy: 11340J/0.05 = 226800 J/mol = 227 kJ/mol
(b) Identify any variables that you think could affect the molar enthalpy.
nature of metal
nature of salt solution
surface area of metal
temperature
beaker/lid/amount of insulation
3. A student wanted to measure the percentage of oxygen in magnesium oxide. The student used the
apparatus below and obtained the date presented in the table below.
Mass ( 0.01g)
Crucible + lid 36.07
Crucible + lid + magnesium 36.20
Crucible + lid + magnesium oxide 36.22
after 5 minutes
Crucible + lid + magnesium oxide 36.25
after 10 minutes
Crucible + lid + magnesium oxide 36.27
after 15 minutes
Crucible + lid + magnesium oxide 36.27
after 20 minutes
(a) Why is there no need to heat for another 5 minutes after the first 20 minutes.
Reaction, oxidation, has completed/no magnesium left to react/all magnesium has reacted
(b) Using the data in the table, calculate the percentage of oxygen in the magnesium oxide formed in this
experiment.
(c) The expected value is 40 %. Give reasons why the experimental percentage answered above is
different.
During the heating when lifting the lid magnesium oxide escaped as white smoke reducing the mass
of magnesium oxide (+ crucible+ lid) measured and therefore the calculated amount of
oxygen/percentage that reacted would be less than expected.
You did not heat long enough so not all magnesium reacted; again less mass of magnesium oxide +
crucible + lid would be measured and therefore lower mass/percentage of oxygen.
Not enough oxygen was allowed in: same as above.
Some which do not apply here as they explain a greater percentage of oxygen:
o Soot on crucible that increases mass of crucible + lid + magnesium oxide which results in a
greater mass of calculated magnesium oxide and a greater percentage of oxygen than
expected
o Some of the magnesium reacted with nitrogen in the air to form magnesium nitride which has
a higher percentage of magnesium than in magnesium oxide
(d) Suggest how you could make the experimental results more reliable.
Repeat the experiment until results are concordant.
Avoid soot from forming on bottom of crucible.
Reduce amount of magnesium oxide which escapes when lid is lifted.
Ensure enough oxygen is available to magnesium.