Question:medium

The correct statement amongst the following is :

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Carefully distinguish between the definition of standard state (pressure is fixed at 1 bar, temperature is not) and the standard conditions often used for data tabulation (usually 298.15 K). Remember that the standard enthalpy of formation of an element in its most stable form under standard conditions is always zero.
Updated On: Feb 3, 2026
  • The term 'standard state' implies that the temperature is \( 0^\circ C \)
  • The standard state of pure gas is the pure gas at a pressure of 1 bar and temperature 273 K
  • \( \Delta_f H_{298}^\ominus \) is zero for O(g)
  • \( \Delta_f H_{500}^\ominus \) is zero for \( O_2(g) \)
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The objective is to identify the correct statement concerning standard states and enthalpies of formation. Each option will be assessed according to established chemical principles:

  1. The term 'standard state' implies a temperature of \(0^\circ C\): ^{}\right\wing This is incorrect. The standard state is a reference condition for thermodynamic calculations, not defined by a specific temperature. While 25°C (298 K) is frequently used, it is not the definition of the standard state.
  2. The standard state of a pure gas is the pure gas at 1 bar pressure and 273 K: This statement is partially incorrect. The standard state for a gas is defined as the pure gas at 1 bar pressure. However, a fixed temperature like 273 K is not mandated; standard enthalpies are typically recorded at 298 K, not 273 K.
  3. \(\Delta_f H_{298}^\ominus\) is zero for O(g): This is incorrect. \(\Delta_f H_{298}^\ominus\) represents the standard enthalpy of formation. For diatomic oxygen (\(O_2(g)\)), the standard enthalpy of formation is zero, as it is the reference state. However, for monatomic oxygen (\(O(g)\)), it is non-zero due to the energy needed to break the \(O_2\) bond.
  4. \(\Delta_f H_{500}^\ominus\) is zero for \(O_2(g)\): This statement is correct. \(\Delta_f H_{500}^\ominus\) denotes the standard enthalpy of formation at 500 K. Since \(O_2(g)\) is the reference state for elemental oxygen, its standard enthalpy of formation is zero at all temperatures, including 500 K.

Based on this analysis, the correct statement is: \(\Delta_f H_{500}^\ominus\) is zero for \(O_2(g)\). This aligns with \(O_2(g)\) being the natural standard state for elemental oxygen.

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