Hess Law Lab

Abstract: the enthalpies for trials 1-4 were -52.72 KJ/Mole, -57.12 KJ/Mole, -44.84 KJ/Mole, and
-39.84KJ/Mole, Respectively.

Purpose: The purpose of this lab was to determine the enthalpy change of four reactions to
verify Hess Law.

Procedure: To set up the laptop to record the correct data follow the steps found on Lab manual page
46. After setting up the laptop record the initial temperature of each reactant in trial 1 before mixing
them together in the calorimeter. Record the following temperatures for the given amount of time on
page 47. Repeat the steps for the reactants used in trials 2-4.

Questions:

1) The enthalpy for each of the reactions should be similar due to having similar masses of
reactants and the same heat capacity, and both trials having 1:1 molar ratios.
2) Trials 1 and 3 combine to create trial 4. The enthalpy of trials 1 and 3 should be equal to trial 4s
enthalpy.
3) Trial 1 theoretical H=(-407.2+(--285.8))- (-167.2+(-470.1)) H=-55.7
trial 2 theoretical H=( (-447.5+(-285.8))-(-207+(-470.1)) H=-56.2
Trial 3 Theoretical H= (-425.8)-(-470.1) H=44.3
Trial 4 theoretical H= (-285.8)-(0+-230.02) H=-55.78
4) % error for trial 1<1%
% error for trial 2= 1.6%
% error for trial 3= 1.2%
% error for trial 4 = 28.58%
The high error in trial 4 could have been due to an analytical balance not being zeroed correctly,
or an issue with the thermometer or measuring program on the laptop used.
5) The enthalpies do not add up correctly to give the theoretical yield, this could be due in part to
the calorimeter absorbing some heat, as we assumed it was perfect, or an instrument
incorrectly calibrated or and error in the computer prgram.