DeltaH_"combustion"^@ "propane"=2220*kJ*mol^-1. What mass of propane is required to yield 76000*kJ of energy?

1 Answer
Mar 14, 2017

DeltaH""_"rxn"^@ is ALWAYS written per mole of reaction as written. We need approx. 1.5*kg of propane.........

Explanation:

And thus the complete combustion of 1 mole of propane, i.e. 44.1*g, yields 2200*kJ as shown:

C_3H_8(g) + 5O_2(g) rarr 3CO_2(g) + 4H_2O(g) +Delta

"OR.............."

C_3H_8(g) + 5O_2(g) rarr 3CO_2(g) + 4H_2O(g) +2200*kJ

We put the energy output on the PRODUCT side inasmuch the combustion equation is EXOTHERMIC (the negative sign of DeltaH assures us that this is the case). And thus, in effect, we use Delta as a virtual product in the reaction, and we solve the following quotient:

(76000*kJ)/(2200*kJ*mol^-1)=34.6*mol, by which we mean 34.6*mol of reaction as written.

And thus we require 34.6*mol propane, i.e. 34.6*molxx44.1*g*mol^-1=1523.5*g