Question:

Consider the following reaction: \[ \text{CaCO}_3(s) \rightarrow \text{CaO}(s) + \text{CO}_2(g) \quad \Delta H = 178\text{ kJ} \] The standard enthalpy of formation of $\text{CaCO}_3(s)$ and $\text{CO}_2(g)$ is $-1207$ and $-393\text{ kJ}\cdot\text{mol}^{-1}$ respectively. What is $\Delta_f H^\ominus$ (in $\text{kJ}\cdot\text{mol}^{-1}$) of $\text{CaO}(s)$?

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Always ensure proper tracking of signs ($+$ and $-$) in thermochemistry problems.
A common error is forgetting to change the sign of the reactants when subtracting.
Updated On: Jul 22, 2026
  • $-636$
  • $+636$
  • $-814$
  • $+814$
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This is a thermochemistry question.
We need to calculate the standard enthalpy of formation of calcium oxide (CaO) using the enthalpy of decomposition of calcium carbonate ($\text{CaCO}_3$) and the enthalpies of formation of the other participants.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Using Hess's law, the standard enthalpy change of any chemical reaction is given by:
\[ \Delta_r H^\ominus = \sum \Delta_f H^\ominus (\text{products}) - \sum \Delta_f H^\ominus (\text{reactants}) \] For the given reaction:
\[ \Delta_r H^\ominus = \left[ \Delta_f H^\ominus(\text{CaO}(s)) + \Delta_f H^\ominus(\text{CO}_2(g)) \right] - \Delta_f H^\ominus(\text{CaCO}_3(s)) \]

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Let us identify the given values:
Reaction Enthalpy ($\Delta_r H^\ominus$) = $+178\text{ kJ}\cdot\text{mol}^{-1}$
$\Delta_f H^\ominus(\text{CaCO}_3(s))$ = $-1207\text{ kJ}\cdot\text{mol}^{-1}$
$\Delta_f H^\ominus(\text{CO}_2(g))$ = $-393\text{ kJ}\cdot\text{mol}^{-1}$

• Let $x$ be the standard enthalpy of formation of $\text{CaO}(s)$.

• Substitute these values into the Hess's Law equation:
\[ 178 = \left[ x + (-393) \right] - (-1207) \] \[ 178 = x - 393 + 1207 \] \[ 178 = x + 814 \]

• Solving for $x$:
\[ x = 178 - 814 \] \[ x = -636\text{ kJ}\cdot\text{mol}^{-1} \]

Step 4: Final Answer:
The standard enthalpy of formation of $\text{CaO}(s)$ is $-636\text{ kJ}\cdot\text{mol}^{-1}$.
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