JAMB Chemistry 1987 Question 27

Question 27

Energy Changes

Tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid is prepared using the chemical reaction SO3(g) + H2O(l) → H2SO4(l). Given the heats of formation for SO3(g), H2O(l) and H2SO4(l) as −395 kJ mol−1, −286 kJ mol−1 and −811 kJ mol−1 respectively, the enthalpy change accompanying this reaction is

  1. A.−1032 kJ
  2. B.−130 kJ
  3. C.+130 kJ
  4. D.+1032 kJ
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (−130 kJ)

Explanation

ΔH = ΣH(products) − ΣH(reactants) = −811 − (−395 − 286) = −811 + 681 = −130 kJ.