Lab Report 2: Enthalpy Change of a Neutralization
Reaction
Abstract
The objective of this experiment was to determine the
enthalpy change (ΔH\Delta HΔH) for the neutralization of
hydrochloric acid (HClHClHCl) with sodium hydroxide
(NaOHNaOHNaOH). Using a simple calorimetry setup, the
temperature change was measured upon mixing
equimolar amounts of acid and base. The experimental
value of ΔH\Delta HΔH was found to be approximately -57
kJ/mol, which is consistent with the theoretical enthalpy
of neutralization for strong acid-strong base reactions.
Procedure
Materials
● 1.0 M Hydrochloric acid (HClHClHCl)
● 1.0 M Sodium hydroxide (NaOHNaOHNaOH)
● Polystyrene calorimeter (or insulated cup)
● Thermometer
● Graduated cylinder
● Stirring rod
Method
1.Preparation: 50.0 mL of 1.0 M HClHClHCl was measured
and added to a calorimeter.
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2.Baseline temperature: The initial temperature of the
acid was recorded.
3.Reaction initiation: 50.0 mL of 1.0 M
NaOHNaOHNaOH was added to the calorimeter while
stirring.
4.Temperature monitoring: The highest temperature
reached was recorded.
5.Calculation: The temperature change (ΔT\Delta TΔT)
was used to calculate the heat released using
q=mcΔTq = mc\Delta Tq=mcΔT.
Data
Tri Initial Final ΔT\Del Heat ΔH\Delta
al Temp Temp ta TΔT Released HΔH
(∘C^\circ (∘C^\circ (∘C^\ci (J) (kJ/mol)
C∘C) C∘C) rc
C∘C)
1 22.0 30.5 8.5 4250 -56.7
2 21.5 30.0 8.5 4250 -57.0
Discussion
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The neutralization reaction follows:
HCl(aq)+NaOH(aq)→NaCl(aq)+H2O(l)HCl (aq) + NaOH (aq)
\rightarrow NaCl (aq) + H_2O
(l)HCl(aq)+NaOH(aq)→NaCl(aq)+H2O(l)
The heat released was calculated using the formula:
q=mcΔTq = mc\Delta Tq=mcΔT
where:
● mmm = total mass of solution (100 g assuming
density of 1 g/mL)
● ccc = 4.18 J/g°C (specific heat capacity of water)
● ΔT\Delta TΔT = temperature change
The enthalpy change per mole was obtained by dividing
the heat released by moles of HClHClHCl reacted. The
experimental ΔH\Delta HΔH was close to the theoretical
value of -57.3 kJ/mol, confirming strong acid-base
neutralization releases a consistent amount of energy.
Sources of Error
1.Heat loss: Some heat was lost to surroundings despite
insulation.
2.Inaccurate measurements: Slight errors in volume or
temperature recording could impact results.
3.Incomplete reaction: Though unlikely, incomplete
mixing may have affected temperature rise.
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Conclusion
The enthalpy of neutralization for HClHClHCl and
NaOHNaOHNaOH was successfully determined to be
around -57 kJ/mol, consistent with literature values.
Future improvements include using a more insulated
calorimeter to reduce heat loss.
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