Question:medium

At 298 K, the enthalpy change (in kJ) for the reaction given below is: \( \text{CH}_4(g) + \text{O}_2(g) \to \text{C}(s) + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}(l) \) (Given: \( \text{H}_2(g) + \frac{1}{2}\text{O}_2(g) \to \text{H}_2\text{O}(l); \Delta H^\ominus = -286 \text{ kJ} \) \( \text{C}(s) + \text{O}_2(g) \to \text{CO}_2(g); \Delta H^\ominus = -394 \text{ kJ} \) \( \text{CH}_4(g) + 2\text{O}_2(g) \to \text{CO}_2(g) + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}(l); \Delta H^\ominus = -890 \text{ kJ} \))

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Hess's Law: Treat chemical equations like algebraic equations. Whatever operation you perform on the reaction (reverse, multiply), apply the same to \( \Delta H \).
Updated On: Mar 30, 2026
  • +496
  • -496
  • -1284
  • +680
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
We need to calculate the enthalpy of the target reaction using Hess's Law. We manipulate the given thermochemical equations to sum up to the target reaction.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Target: \( \text{CH}_4 \to \text{C} + 2\text{H}_2 \) (Wait, let's balance the given target). The given target equation in the question is: \( \text{CH}_4(g) + \text{O}_2(g) \to \text{C}(s) + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}(l) \). Wait, stoichiometry: C: 1 \(\to\) 1. H: 4 \(\to\) 4 (in 2 H2O). O: 2 \(\to\) 2 (in 2 H2O). Balanced.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's label the given equations: 1. \( \text{H}_2 + 0.5\text{O}_2 \to \text{H}_2\text{O} \), \( \Delta H_1 = -286 \). 2. \( \text{C} + \text{O}_2 \to \text{CO}_2 \), \( \Delta H_2 = -394 \). 3. \( \text{CH}_4 + 2\text{O}_2 \to \text{CO}_2 + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \), \( \Delta H_3 = -890 \). We want: \( \text{CH}_4 + \text{O}_2 \to \text{C} + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \). Look at the components: - \( \text{CH}_4 \) is on the LHS. Equation 3 has \( \text{CH}_4 \) on LHS. Keep Eq 3. - \( \text{C} \) is on the RHS. Equation 2 has \( \text{C} \) on LHS. Reverse Eq 2. - \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \) is on the RHS. Eq 3 has 2 \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \) on RHS. This matches. - Check \( \text{CO}_2 \): Eq 3 produces 1 \( \text{CO}_2 \). Reverse Eq 2 consumes 1 \( \text{CO}_2 \). They cancel. - Check \( \text{O}_2 \): Eq 3 uses 2 \( \text{O}_2 \). Reverse Eq 2 produces 1 \( \text{O}_2 \). Net: \( 2 - 1 = 1 \) \( \text{O}_2 \) on LHS. This matches. Operation: Equation 3 - Equation 2. \( (\text{CH}_4 + 2\text{O}_2) - (\text{C} + \text{O}_2) \to (\text{CO}_2 + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}) - (\text{CO}_2) \) \( \text{CH}_4 + \text{O}_2 \to \text{C} + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \). This matches the target exactly. Eq 1 is not needed. Calculation: \( \Delta H = \Delta H_3 - \Delta H_2 \) \( \Delta H = -890 - (-394) \) \( \Delta H = -890 + 394 \) \( \Delta H = -496 \text{ kJ} \). Wait, the options include +496 (A) and -496 (B). Let's check the Answer Key. The green check is on Option 1 (+496). Why? Let me re-read the target reaction. \( \text{CH}_4(g) + \text{O}_2(g) \to \text{C}(s) + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}(l) \). My derivation gives -496. Is it possible the target is different? Maybe \( \text{C}(s) + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \to \text{CH}_4 + \text{O}_2 \)? No, combustion related. Let's assume the question asks for the enthalpy of *formation* or something else? No, "enthalpy change for the reaction". Let's re-calculate \( \Delta H_3 - \Delta H_2 \). -890 + 394 = -496. Is there a sign error in my data reading? Data: -286, -394, -890. All standard combustion enthalpies. Target: Incomplete combustion of Methane to Carbon (soot). Combustion is exothermic. -496 makes physical sense. +496 would be endothermic. However, if the key says +496, maybe the reaction is reversed? Reaction: \( \text{CH}_4 + \text{O}_2 \to \text{C} + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \). This is oxidation. Let's look at the screenshot again. Image 4, Question 129. Option 1: +496. (Red cross). Option 2: -496. (Green tick). Ah! The green check mark is on Option 2. The red cross is on Option 1. I misread the visual cues in the prompt or confused the standard format. In the provided images, the green tick indicates the correct answer. My calculation (-496) matches Option 2.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The enthalpy change is -496 kJ.
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