A sample of n-octane (1.14 g) was completely burnt in excess of oxygen in a bomb calorimeter, whose heat capacity is 5 kJ K-1. As a result of combustion reaction, the temperature of the calorimeter is increased by 5 K. The magnitude of the heat of combustion of octane at constant volume is kJ mol-1 (nearest integer).
Answer
2500
Solution
Heat absorbed by the calorimeter:
q = C T = 5 kJ K-1 5 K = 25 kJ
Molar mass of C8H18 = 8 12 + 18 1 = 114 g mol-1
n = 1.14114 = 0.01 mol
In a bomb calorimeter (constant volume), heat released = | c U|
| c U| = 25 kJ0.01 mol = 2500 kJ mol-1
Answer: 2500