Concept:
The enthalpy of formation (\(\Delta H_f^\circ\)) is the heat change when 1 mole of a substance is formed from its elements in their standard states. We must use the balanced chemical equation to relate the amount of graphite to the total heat.
Step 1: Write the balanced formation equation for ethanol (\(C_2H_5OH\)).
\[ 2C (\text{graphite}) + 3H_2 (g) + \frac{1}{2}O_2 (g) \rightarrow C_2H_5OH (l) \]
From this equation, we see that 2 moles of graphite produce 1 mole of ethanol.
Step 2: Relate enthalpy to graphite amount.
The given \(\Delta H = -277.7 \, \text{kJ}\) corresponds to the reaction involving 2 moles of graphite.
Step 3: Calculate for 4 moles of graphite.
If 2 moles release \(277.7 \, \text{kJ}\), then 4 moles (which is double the amount) will release double the energy:
\[ \Delta H_{\text{total}} = 2 \times (-277.7 \, \text{kJ}) = -555.4 \, \text{kJ} \]