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Physical state of reactants and products

December 19, 2009

Heat energy is involved for changing the physical state of a chemical substance. For example in the conversion of water into steam, heat is absorbed and heat is evolved when steam is condensed.

Example

Consider the following two reactions –

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It is observed that there is difference in the value of ΔH if water is obtained in gaseous or liquid state. ΔH value in second case is higher because heat is evolved when steam condenses. Hence, physical state always affects the heat of reaction.

Allotropic forms of the elements

Heat energy is also involved when one allotropic form of an element is converted into another. Thus, the value of ΔH depends on the allotropic form used in the reaction.

Example:

The  value of ΔH is different when carbon in the form of diamond or graphite is used.

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The difference between two values is equal to the heat absorbed when 12 g of diamond is converted into 12 g of graphite

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Reaction carried out at constant pressure or constant volume

When a chemical reaction  occurs at constant volume, the heat change is called the internal energy. However, most of the reactions are carried out at constant pressure and the enthalpy change is termed as the energy of reaction at constant pressure.

The relation between ΔH (Enthalpy change) and ΔE (Internal energy change) is given as follows:

ΔE + ΔngRT = ΔH

Dng =             (Total number of moles of products) – (total number of moles of  reactants).

R = Gas Constant

T = Temperature (in Kelvin)

The difference between ΔH and ΔE value is negligible when solids and liquids are involved in a chemical change. But, in reactions which involve gases, the difference in two values is considerable.

Introduction – Chemical Energetics

December 12, 2009

In chemistry, we deal with processes, is which are invariably associated with transfer of energy between the system under study and its surroundings. For example, heat is evolved when an acid is neutralised by a base. The heat transfer is basically due to the conservation of energy or first law of thermodynamics. It is of prime importance to a chemist to understand these energy changes & use this knowledge in his study of the subject.

Objective

The branch of physical chemistry, which deals with the study of heat changes, accompanying a chemical reaction is termed as Thermochemistry. Thermo (heat) Dynamics (work) is the study of those interactions among various materials which involve the transfer of heat, and the performance of work. Our aim in this chapter will be [to mathematically & conceptually understand] the changes that the system & surrounding undergo when exchange of energy takes place.

PRE-REQUISITE

Þ    Since this subject is incomplete without the use of mathematical relationships, it is important that we must understand the basic operations of Logarithms, Ratios etc.

Þ    The units & dimensions come in extremely handy in dealing with unknown variables & constants.

Þ    Basic stoichiometry & Mole concept are also important.

CORE CONCEPTS

The heat transfer is basically due to the conservation of energy or first law of thermodynamics. Thermo (heat) Dynamics (work) is the study of those interactions among various materials which involve the transfer of heat, and the performance of work.

Thermochemistry basically deals with the transfer of heat between a chemical system and its surrounding.

A system is defined as a specified part of the universe or specified portion of the matter which is under experimental investigation and the rest of the universe i.e. all other matter which can interact with the system, is surrounding.

Note

Þ      To calculate the heat transferred, the reactants and the products must be at the same temperature.

Depending on the heat transferred the reactions can be classified as

Exothermic Reaction

The reaction in which heat is transferred to the surroundings from the system.

Endothermic Reaction

The reaction in which heat is transferred to the system from the surroundings.

By SI convention, the heat transferred is taken as negative and positive for exothermic and endothermic reactions, respectively. In other words, the process which increases the energy of the system is taken as +ve and which decrease the energy of the system is taken as –ve.

The molar enthalpy Hm of any substance is a function of temperature and pressure, i.e. Hm = Hm(T, p). The pressure dependence is removed by defining the standard molar enthalpy H°m, which is the enthalpy of the substance at the standard pressure of 101.325 k Pa.

Note

Þ      It is impossible to determine the absolute value of enthalpy.

It is impossible to determine absolute value of enthalpy. The values we observe are based on the SI convention. However relative enthalpies of substances can be determined if the enthalpy of free elements at 25 °C and 1 atmosphere pressure are taken arbitrary as zero or in other words, the enthalpy of every element in its stable state of aggregation at 101.325 k Pa (or 1 atmosphere pressure) and at 25 °C is assigned a zero value.

At 101.325 kPa and 298.15 K, the stable state of aggregation of Nitrogen is the gaseous state, hence H°m (N2g) = 0.

If an element exists in more than one allotropic forms, the most stable allotrope is assigned zero value.

Example

Solid sulphur (rhombic) and solid carbon (graphite) are assigned a zero standard molar enthalpy. i.e., H°.

Example:

To find out the standard molar enthalpies of various substances, the above conventions are used. For example, consider the following reaction:

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Grahams Law Of Diffusion

December 9, 2009

According to the Graham’s Law of diffusion, the rate of diffusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of it’s density or molecular weights. If r1 and r2 are the rates of diffusion of two gases, whose densities under the given conditions are d1 and d2 respectively, then we have

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(M1 and M2 are the respective molecular weights of the two gases) and d1 and d2 are their respective vapour densities.)

Knowing the experimental gas laws, it is of interest to develop a theoretical model based on the structure of gases, which can co-relate the experiment. Fortunately, such a theory has been developed and is known as kinetic theory of gases.

Kinetic Theory of Gases

The word ‘Kinetic’ means ‘Motion’. Gaseous molecules are assumed to be in constant motion. A theory with the help of which the various gas laws can be derived mathematically is known as the kinetic theory of gases.

The main postulates of the theory are as follows:

Þ      A gas is made of extremely tiny particles called molecules. The molecules of any given gas are identical and have the same mass,

and the molecules are assumed to be dispersed in a lot of vacant space.

Þ      The individual molecules are relatively far apart from each other and they exert very little attraction for each other except under collision of molecules and near the liquification point. The real volume of the gas molecules at ordinary temperatures and pressures is very small in comparison to the total volume of the gas. Here we are talking about real gases or non-ideal gases since ideal gases cannot be liquefied.

Þ      The gaseous molecules are in continuous random, straight line motion with very high speeds in all directions. They collide frequently and this may bring about a change in the direction of movement and a redistribution of energy between the colliding molecules. The collisions are perfectly elastic (i.e. no loss of energy) but only redistribution of energy may occur.

Þ      The force of gravity has negligible effect on the speed of the gas molecules.

Þ      The pressure exerted by a gas is due to collisions made by gas molecules on the walls of the container. Gases not only distribute themselves throughout the total volume of the container but also exert uniform pressure on every point of the container.

Þ      The average K.E. of the molecules is directly proportional to the absolute temperature of the gas.

Ernest Rutherford’s Model (1911)

December 4, 2009

Rutherford placed thin sheets of metal in the path of a-particles in order to see how various metals would affect the a-particle trajectory.

a-particles are actually helium atoms from which electrons have been removed. Each a-particle consists of a mass equal to about 4 times that of hydrogen atom and carries a positive charge of 2 units. It is represented by symbol che2.8 .

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If Thomson’s explanation were correct, a-particles would have been deflected at very small angles only

from a straight line path. But Rutherford found that maximum a-particles go straight, some get deflected at small angles, a few at large angles and in rare cases the deflection is 180° as shown in fig. 1.4. He hypothesised that deflection at 180° can arise only if an intense positive electric field is present inside atoms. Observations showed that a positive charge spread throughout a sphere of radius 10-8 cm would be incapable of producing this field. Calculations showed that this radius should be of the order 10-13 cm to account for scattering data. Based on these observations Rutherford presented following model for atom.

Þ        Atom consists of a nucleus which contains protons making it positively charged & mass being centered here in a small space of radius 10-13 cm.

Þ        There is a lot of empty space around nucleus in which electrons are present. The total size of the atom is of radius 10-8 cm.

Þ        Electrons can’t be stationary as they would be pulled by nucleus. Instead they are revolving around nucleus, the necessary centripetal force for revolutions is provided by attractive forces between nucleus & electrons

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Bohr also argued the same that the electron  (being a charged particle) should also lose energy while moving in a circle (i.e. with an acceleration). As a result its orbit should become smaller and smaller and finally it should drop into the nucleus. But the fact is that atom is stable.

Niel’s Bohr supplied a solution to this problem by applying Planck’s quantum theory. Let us first study the Planck’s quantum theory.

Planck’s quantum theory (1901)

It states

Þ        Radiant energy is emitted or absorbed discontinuously in the form of tiny bundles of energy called Quanta.

Þ    Each quantum is associated with a definite amount of energy E which is proportional to frequency of radiation.

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where,             h = Planck’s constant = 6.626 * 10^-34 Joule-sec.

v = Frequency of the light radiation

Þ        A body can emit or absorb radiations only in whole multiples of quantum i.e. E = nhv where
n = 1, 2, 3, …….

Bohr’s atomic model

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The postulates of Bohr’s atomic theory stability of an atom are as follows

Electron revolves in only allowed stationary orbits. Energy of different stationary states vary. An electron can be excited from a lower state to higher state with the absorption of a quantum of energy, or can come down from a higher to lower state with emission of a radiation of energy (as shown in figure 1.5) equal to energy to quantum ΔE = E2 - E1 = hv. E2 & E1 are energies of the electron associated with stationary orbits.

The stability of the circular motion of an electron requires that the electrostatic force (due to the attraction between the nucleus and the electron) provides the necessary centrepetal force for the motion of electron.

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where Z – atomic number

e – charge on electron

ε0 - permittivity of the charge in vaccum

r – distance between positive charge & electron

Angular momentum of electron is quantised i.e. electron can revolve only in those orbits where its angular momentum is an integral multiple of h/2Π.

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where, v – velocity of electron

m – mass of electron

h – Planck’s constant

n = 1, 2, 3, …. are known as Principal quantum number.

Avogadro’s law

December 2, 2009

Equal number of molecules of different gases under identical conditions of temperature and pressure occupy the same volume.

Hence, the volume occupied by one mole of an ideal gas at standard temperature (273.15 K) and pressure (101.325 K Pa) has a fixed volume (22.414 dm3). This indicates that the number of molecules contained in one mole of any real gas should be a constant quantity. This number is found to be 6.023 × 1023 and is known as Avogadro number.

Important

Ideal gas is a gas which follows all the above gas laws under all conditions of temperature and pressure.

Real gases generally do not obey the gas laws, exactly, under all conditions of temperature and pressure.

The Ideal Gas Equation

Combination of Boyle’s and Charle’s laws. When temp. (T1) is kept constant and pressure is changed from p1 to p2, Let the new volume be V .

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Important

Value of the proportionality constant k depends on:

(a)      Quantity of gas and

(b)         Units, in which p, V and T, are expressed.

On the basis of Avogadro’s hypothesis, 1 mole of all gases under similar conditions of temp. and  pressure occupies the same volume. Hence k will have the same value for 1 mole of any gas taken.

pV = kT. …(5)

(k is replaced by R called the molar gas constant).

For n moles of gas considered  (5) becomes

PV = nRT. …(6)

Eq. (6) is called the ideal gas equation showing the effect on the third variable when two of the three variables are changed simultaneously for a given amount of a gas. The units of R varies with the units of the other parameters (p, V, T).

e.g. R has the following values

0.0821 litre atm/ K /mole

5.28 × 1019 ev / K / mole

8.314 Joules / K / mole

1.99 cal / K / mole

0.002 k cal / K / mole

8.314 × 107 erg / K / mole

Illustrations

1.   A two litre flask, containing O2 at 1 atm pressure is at a constant temperature at 27°C. The gas pressure is reduced to 10^–6 atm by attaching the flask to a vacuum pump. Assuming ideal behaviour, answer the following:

(a) What will be the volume of the gas which is left behind?

(b) What will be the no of molecule given in the problem?

Sol. Given that V1 = 2 l, p1 = 1 atm, T = 27°C = 300 K

We have the following results

(a)         The volume of oxygen left behind will be the same i.e. 2 l.

(b)         The number of moles of oxygen left behind is given by

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Gaseous state

November 26, 2009

Various kinds of substances that constitute matter can be roughly divided into three categories namely- gases, liquids and solids. The existence of matter in either of these three forms is a result of the competition between two opposing intermolecular forces

(1)     The forces of attraction, which hold the molecules together.

(2)     The thermal energy of these molecules which tend to increase the intermolecular distances.

If the thermal energy of the molecules is much greater than the forces of attraction, the state of matter that result is called the gaseous state. On the other hand, if the forces of attraction are greater than the thermal energy, we have the matter in the liquid state. When these forces of attraction are much more greater than the thermal energy compared to the liquid state, we have matter in its solid state condition. However, on the application of heat, the thermal energy of the molecules can be increased and as a result the intermolecular forces of attraction would relatively decrease simultaneously.

Molecules in the gaseous state possess high energy and have almost no force of attraction. They are far apart and show a great uniformity in behaviour, irrespective of their chemical nature, colour or odour. They are highly compressible and can also be expanded without limit. They also produce pressure on the walls of any container uniformly in all directions. They diffuse rapidly through one other to form a homogeneous mixture, and their separation is also not very easy.

Gas laws

Boyle’s law

At constant temperature, the volume of a sample of gas of definite mass varies inversely with its pressure.

i.e    when temperature is kept constant for a given mass of gas

where V = volume and  p = pressure

Introducing a constant k, we have

pV = k = constant                                …(1)

The value of the proportionality constant k depends upon the following factors:

(1)           Nature of a gas

(2) Temperature of the gas, and

(3)           The mass of the gas

Hence, at constant temperature, for a given mass of a gas, Boyle’s Law states

p1V1 = p2V2 = k = constant                  …(2)

Eq. (1) can be represented graphically as shown in figure given below.

The general term isotherm (i.e. at const. Temp.) is used to describe the above curves.

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Introduction

November 25, 2009

Have you ever realized that whenever you are sitting alone somewhere, actually, you are not alone (surprised). Well, you are always surrounded by air around you. In fact, air surrounds everything like a blanket. Now, what is air? Well, air is nothing but a mixture of gases.  The gaseous state results when the forces of attraction between the particles of matter are very low. In this state the molecules are far apart from one another and their positions are not fixed. Hence gases have neither definite shape nor definite volume but a gas occupies fully its container. It was correctly stated by Robert Boyle “Imagine the air to be such a heap of little bodies, lying one upon another, as may be resembled to fleece of wool.”

OBJECTIVE

Gaseous state is the simplest state of matter and shows the greatest uniformity in behaviour. Let us in this chapter know more about this ever accompanying companion. In this chapter we will study the behaviour of different gases at different physical condition of pressure and temperature. The study includes different laws related to behaviour of gases e.g., Boyle’s law, Charles’ law, Ideal gas law etc. to comprehend the ideal gas equation. We shall also

  • know the meaning of absolute scale of temperature
  • learn about Dalton’s law of partial pressures and Graham’s law of diffusion
  • understand the kinetic gas equation and average kinetic energy of gaseous molecules
  • learn the definition of root-mean-square, average and most probable speeds
  • learn about the compression factor ?!
  • know about van der Waals equation of state

PRE-REQUISITE

Relative atomic mass of an element

The ratio of average mass per atom of the natural isotopic composition of the element to of the mass of an atom of nuclide 12C is known as the relative atomic mass of the element.

Relative molecular mass of Compound

The ratio of average mass per molecule of the natural isotopic composition of the compound to  mass of an atom of nuclide 12C is known as relative molecular mass of the compound.

Mole of a substance

One mole of a substance contains as many particles (atoms, molecules, ions) as there are atoms in exactly 12 gm of the nuclide 12C. This number is approximately equal to 6.023 × 1023.

or

The minimum weight of any chemical species which contains 6.023 × 1023 molecules is called one mole.

or

At NTP or STP (Normal/standard temperature and pressure are 0°C and 1 atm, respectively) one mole occupies 22.4 litre of volume.

Oxidation

October 23, 2009

When an atom/ion/molecule loses electrons, oxidation of the species takes place, such a molecule is termed as reductant.

or

When oxidation number of an atom increases in a reaction, it is said to be oxidised.

Oxidation Number / Oxidation State

The real or hypothetical charge present over an element is called oxidation number. Whereas oxidation state defines charge on one atom but oxidation number refers to charge present on all atoms of one element in a compound.

Certain features of oxidation number

  • The pure oxidation number is always an integer, but the mathematical average may be in fraction.
  • Oxidation number may be positive as well as negative.
  • Oxidation number of I(A) group elements is +1, II(A) group element +2, and in III(A) group Al & B have +3 oxidation number and rest are variable.
  • The molecules which exist in free state, always have zero oxidation number (NH3, H2O etc).
  • Oxidation state of hydrogen is always +1, but when hydrogen is directly attached to metal (metal hydride) then its oxidation no. is always –1.
  • The oxidation No. of oxygen is –2 but in peroxide compounds its oxidation No. is –1.
  • Oxidation No. of oxygen is +ve when it is directly attached to fluorine.
  • · In superoxide compounds oxidation number of oxygen  –1/2.
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  • The sum of oxidation No. in neutral species is zero.
  • In halogens oxidation number of F is ¬–1 because F has maximum electronegative value in periodic table.

Let us now focus our attention on the calculation of the oxidation number

  • Break a molecule into its atoms
  • Now valencies of all the atom’s are added
  • This is than equated to the total formal charge on the molecule
  • The total formal charge on a neutral molecule is taken as zero. For a charged molecule, total formal charge is taken equal to charge on cation/anion.

Important
For finding out formal charge on an atom, hypothetically break all bonds to that atom. The e-pair of bond goes to more electronegative atom. After this exercise total charge left on central atom would be called the formal charge on that atom.

Illustrations

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Equivalent Weight

October 21, 2009

Introduction:

The branch of chemistry which deals with mass relationship in chemical reactions is called stoichiometry. Stoichiometry is the quantitative analysis of various types of chemical reactions. Most of these calculations are done on the basis of mole concept. The term ‘mole’ was first introduced by ‘Ostwald’. It is a Latin version of the term ‘heap’ or ‘pile’ or ‘weight’, which refers the amount of a substance containing a fixed number of its elementary particles equivalent to the Avogadro’s number                (6.023 × 1023). In modern practice, it is easy to express the mole of substance in terms of its weight or its volume. The analysis based on weight is called Gravimetric analysis whereas the analysis based on volume is known as volumetric analysis.
Core Concepts
Equivalent weight
The minimum weight of any chemical species, which reacts (completely) or liberates 1 g hydrogen (11.2 litre), 8 g Oxygen (5.6 litre), 35.5 g Chlorine (11.2 litre), 80 g Bromine (11.2 litre), 127 g Iodine (11.2 litre) is called Equivalent weight of that particular chemical species.

Element
H O Cl Br I
Atomic wt. 1 16 35.5 80 127
Eq. wt. 1 8 35.5 80 127

The above definition for equivalent weight is not sufficient. For example if an acid is given then the equivalent weight of an acid is defined as the ratio of Molecular weight of acid to its basicity.
Basicity means number of acidic hydrogens present in the molecule.
Acidic hydrogen means hydrogen atoms directly attached to electronegative element.
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