1.

What are the conditions when enthalpy change (ΔH) is equal to the energy change (ΔE)?

Answer»

The enthalpy (H) and energy (E) are related by H = E + pV. For a change in the state of the system, we have

Initial state H1 = E1 + p1V1

Final state H2 = E2 + p2V2

Enthalpy change = ΔH = Final enthalpy - Initial enthalpy

= H2 - H1

= (E2 + p2V2) - (E1 + p1V1)

= (E2 - E1) + (p2V2 - p1V1)

or, ΔH = ΔE + (p2V2 - p1V1)

When there is no change in the pressure p1 = p2 and when there is no change in the volume V1 = V2. Therefore, p1V1 = p2V2 and ΔH = ΔE. That is enthalpy change (ΔH) is equal to the energy change when a chemical reaction takes place at constant pressure and at constant volume.



Discussion

No Comment Found

Related InterviewSolutions