Calculating the Two Heats of Reaction for the Neutralization of Sulfuric Acid

When calculating the temperature of a neutralization, the two heats of reaction for the same acid should be the same. However, the temperature of the initial and final solutions may vary. Therefore, it is important to adjust the temperature for the amount of water that is formed. This is done by multiplying the observed enthalpy for neutralization by 5 and 1.00 moles water.

The temperature change is used to calculate the qsolution or the enthalpy for the reaction. However, both acids have dangerous properties and should not be used as a first-aid measure for severe burns. While performing experiments, wear protective eyeglasses. You can flush the neutral solution down your drain if you don’t wear protective clothing. This method has been proven very accurate.

When the acid and base react, their temperature increases. The DH of the reaction becomes negative as a result. The energy released per mole of water is called the molar enthalpy of neutralization (MEH). This energy is consumed in breaking the bonds between the acid and the base molecules. If the DH of the neutralization reaction is negative, then the neutralization reaction is exothermic, and therefore, produces more energy.

To measure the change in enthalpy, a calorimeter is used. It is a simple device that measures how much energy a chemical reaction releases. A good example of a homemade calorimeter would be a coffee cup calorimeter. The styrofoam used is very inconvenient, but it is open to the atmosphere.

Fill the calorimeter with 150 mL distilled water and 6.00 grams solid sodium hydroxide. Once this is done, the mixture should be weighed and put on the balance. The reaction calorimeter should also be attached and the reaction should then be measured. This is also known as calibration. For a proper calibration, the pH and temperature of the reaction sample must be accurate, and it is necessary to make sure that the mixture is equal.

The table below shows the heats of reaction needed to neutralize sulfuric acid. This formula can be used to calculate the heat reaction for each acid or mole of water. Then, divide the two values by the number of moles of water produced. Divide the first heat of reaction by 5. To use heat for neutralizing sulfuric acid, multiply it by 0.200.