InterviewSolution
| 1. |
Calculate the free energy change for the complete combustion of one mole of methane, CH4(g), the main component of natural gas. Is this reaction spontaneous? |
|
Answer» We begin by writing the equation that represents this reaction. Recall that "complete combustion," or burning, is a reaction with oxygen from the atmosphere, forming carbon dioxide and water: CH4(g) + 2 O2(g) → CO2(g) + 2 H2O(l) ΔG° = (1 mol)[ΔGf° for CO2(g)] + (2 mol)[ΔGf° for H2O(l)] – (1 mol)[ΔGf° for CH4(g)] – (2 mol)[ΔGf° for O2(g)] = (1 mol) (–394.4 kJ/mol) + (2 mol) (–237.0 kJ/mol) – (1 mol) (–50.8 kJ/mol) – (2 mol) (0) = –817.6 kJ The negative value of ΔG° indicates that the reaction is spontaneous. This matches ourexperiences in everyday life, where we have seen that natural gas burns spontaneously. |
|