2004 AIPMT ThermodynamicsBond enthalpy Easy Question 4 of 4 in Bond enthalpy

If the bond energies of H–H, Br–Br and H–Br are 433, 192 and 364 kJ mol$^{-1}$ respectively the $\Delta H^\circ$ for the reaction $H_2(g) + Br_2(g) \rightarrow 2HBr(g)$ is-

A +103 kJ
B +261 kJ
C –103 kJ
D –261 kJ

The answer is C.

Solution

$\Delta H = \sum$ (bond energies of bonds broken in reactants) $- \sum$ (bond energies of bonds formed in products)
Bonds broken: one H–H and one Br–Br $= 433 + 192 = 625$ kJ
Bonds formed: two H–Br $= 2 \times 364 = 728$ kJ
$\Delta H^\circ = 625 - 728 = -103$ kJ
So the reaction is exothermic, with $\Delta H^\circ = -103$ kJ.

Concept Enthalpy of reaction from bond energies

Bond enthalpy in past papers

4 questions from this chapter have appeared across 4 exam years.