Hess’s Law - FORMAL LAB WRITE UP

The combustion of magnesium is very rapid and exothermic, and is represented by the equation
Mg(s)  ½ O2(g) MgO(s) Hc = ???
It is possible to observe and measure a series of reactions that enable us, with the use of Hess’s law, to
determine the enthalpy change for this reaction.

(1) Magnesium reacts in acid to form hydrogen gas and a salt:

Mg(s) 2 HCl(aq) H2(g)  MgCl2(aq) H1  X kJ
(2) Magnesium oxide reacts in acid to form water and a salt:
MgO(s)  2 HCl(aq)  H2O(l)  MgCl2(aq) H2 Y kJ
The values H1 and H2 can be determined empirically using a simple calorimeter.

(3) Hydrogen and oxygen gases react to form water:

H2(g) + ½O2(g)  H2O(l) Hfo = -286 kJ mol-1

Purpose
The purpose of this investigation is to use Hess’s law to determine the molar enthalpy of combustion of
magnesium, using calorimetry.

Question
What is the molar enthalpy of combustion, Hc, of magnesium?

Experimental Design
Measured masses of magnesium and magnesium oxide will be added to measured volumes of hydrochloric acid
solution of known concentration. The temperature changes will be determined. Calculated enthalpies of
reaction will be combined, using Hess’s law, to determine the enthalpy of combustion of magnesium.

Materials
lab apron eye protection centigram or milligram balance
thermometer polystyrene calorimeter 100-mL graduated cylinder
scoopula steel wool 10- to 15-cm strip of magnesium ribbon
magnesium oxide powder 1.00 mol/L hydrochloric acid
Hydrochloric acid is corrosive. Eye protection and a lab apron should be worn. All spills should be cleaned up
quickly and any skin that has come into contact with acid should be immediately and thoroughly rinsed with
cold water

Magnesium ribbon is highly flammable and should be kept far from any source of ignition.
Procedure
1. Measure 100 mL of 1.00 mol/L hydrochloric acid into a polystyrene cup. Measure the initial temperature of
the acid solution to the nearest 0.2C.
2. Determine the mass (to 0.01 g) of approximately 0.5 g of magnesium metal. Add the solid to the solution,
stir it, and record the maximum temperature that the solution attains.
3. Dispose of the products as directed by your teacher, and rinse and dry the equipment.
4. Repeat the first three steps, using approximately 1 g of magnesium oxide powder measured to 0.01g.

Questions/Analysis
(1) Were the changes exothermic or endothermic? Explain.
(2) For the first reaction, calculate the enthalpy change per mole of magnesium.
(3) Write a thermochemical equation for the reaction of magnesium in acid, including your experimental
value.
(4) For the second reaction, calculate the enthalpy change per mole of magnesium oxide.
(5) Write a thermochemical equation for the reaction of magnesium oxide in acid, including your
experimental value
(6) Using Hess’s law, the values you have found experimentally, and the given value for the enthalpy
change for the formation of water from its elements, determine the molar enthalpy of combustion of
magnesium.
(7) Which of the measured values limited the precision of your value? Explain.
(8) Explain why (and how) your calculated enthalpies of reaction would be inaccurate if
(i) some heat were transferred to the air or Styrofoam cup;
(ii) you used magnesium ribbon and the surface of the magnesium ribbon had a coating of MgO.

(9) The accepted value for the molar enthalpy of combustion of magnesium is –601.6 kJ/mol. Calculate a
percentage difference by comparing your experimental values and the accepted values. Comment on
your confidence in the evidence.
(10) Based on your evaluation of the Experimental Design and the evidence, is Hess’s law an acceptable
method to calculate enthalpies of reaction?

(11)Suggest an experimental technique that could be used to determine the enthalpy of combustion of
magnesium directly.