400
2H2 (g) + O2 (g) --> 2H2O (g)
Based on the information given in the table below, what is ΔH° for the above reaction?
BOND
H-H
O=O
O-H
AVERAGE BOND ENERGY (kJ/mol)
500
500
500
A.) -2,000 kJ
B.) -1,500 kJ
C.) -500 kJ
D.) +1,000 kJ
The correct answer is (C).
The bond energy is the energy that must be absorbed to break a bond.
To break 2 H-H bonds, it takes (2 x 500) kJ = 1,000 kJ
To break 1 O=O bonds, it takes 500 kJ.
So, to break up the reactants, it takes +1,500 kJ total.
Energy is released when a bond is formed; negative value.
2 moles of H2O molecules contains 4 moles of O-H bonds, so (4 x -500) kJ = -2,000kJ are given off.
So the value of ΔH° for the reaction is
(-2,000 kJ, released) + (1,500 kJ, absorbed) = -500 kJ.