Question 114 marks
Question
Potassium hydrogencarbonate, KHCO3, decomposes when strongly heated to form potassium carbonate, K2CO3. 2KHCO3(s) → K2CO3(s) + CO2(g) + H2O(l) A student plans to determine the value for the enthalpy change for this reaction, ∆Hr, which cannot be determined directly. The student carries out two separate experiments using the following apparatus. thermometer polystyrene cup 2.0 mol dm–3 hydrochloric acid solid Experiment 1 uses solid KHCO3. Experiment 2 uses solid K2CO3. The following method is used for both experiments: ● Transfer 50.00 cm3, an excess, of 2 mol dm–3 hydrochloric acid into a cup. ● After 2 minutes, record the temperature of the acid. ● Weigh approximately 0.0250 moles of solid. ● Add the solid to the acid, stir the mixture using a thermometer and record the temperature throughout the reaction. Hazard information: 2 mol dm–3 hydrochloric acid is irritant, solid potassium hydrogencarbonate and solid potassium carbonate may cause irritation to the skin and eyes. The equations for the two reactions are: reaction 1 KHCO3(s) + HCl (aq) → KCl (aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l) reaction 2 K2CO3(s) + 2HCl (aq) → 2KCl (aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l) (a) Suggest why it is not possible to measure ∆Hr for the decomposition reaction directly. . …… . …… [1] (b) (i) Calculate the mass of 0.0250 moles of each solid. Give your answers to three decimal places. [Ar: K, 39.1; H, 1.0; C, 12.0; O, 16.0] mass of KHCO3 = …… g mass of K2CO3 = …… g [1] (ii) The masses of solid are measured using a three decimal place balance. Calculate the percentage error in the measurement of the mass of KHCO3. Show your working. percentage error = …… [1] (c) The student obtained the following results. initial maximum / minimum temperature solid temperature / °C temperature / °C change, ∆T / °C KHCO3 17.5 14.0 K2CO3 19.0 20.5 (i) Complete the table by calculating temperature change. Use the formula q = mc∆T to determine the energy change, q, that took place during experiment 1. Use q to calculate the enthalpy change of reaction 1, ∆H1, in kJ mol–1. Include a sign in your answer. Assume 1.00 cm3 of solution has a mass of 1.00 g. c = 4.18 J g–1 K–1 ∆H1 = …… kJ mol–1 [2] (ii) Use the formula q = mc∆T to determine the energy change, q, that took place during experiment 2. Use q to calculate the enthalpy change of reaction 2, ∆H2, in kJ mol–1. Include a sign in your answer. Assume 1.00 cm3 of solution has a mass of 1.00 g. c = 4.18 J g–1 K–1 ∆H2 = …… kJ mol–1 [2] (d) Use the following cycle to calculate ∆Hr. ∆Hr 2KHCO3(s) K2CO3(s) + CO2(g) + H2O(l) + 2HCl + 2HCl 2KCl (aq) + 2CO2(g) + 2H2O(l) ∆Hr = …… kJ mol–1 [2] (e) A textbook states the value of the enthalpy change for the decomposition of potassium hydrogencarbonate as +76.0 kJ mol–1. Suggest two reasons why the experimental value is different to the actual value. 1 . …… 2 . …… [2] (f) Suggest one improvement to the apparatus which would reduce the difference between the experimental value and the actual value. . …… [1] (g) Name a suitable piece of apparatus which should be used to measure the volume of acid used in experiment 1. . …… [1] (h) Apart from wearing safety glasses and a lab coat, state one safety precaution which must be taken during experiment 1. Explain your answer. . …… . …… . …… [1] [Total: 14]
Mark scheme
1(a) It is not possible to measure a temperature when heating. 1 1(b)(i) Mass of KHCO3 = 2.503 g 1 AND Mass of K2CO3 = 3.455 g 1(b)(ii) 2 ×0.0005 ×100 1 = = 0.04(00)% 2.503 Correct working must be shown 1(c)(i) M1 3.5 °C for KHCO3 and 1.5 °C for K2CO3 in results table 2 AND q = 50 × 4.18 × 3.5 = 731.5 (J) M2 ΔH1 = M1 / (0.0250 × 1000) = + 29.26 kJ mol–1 1(c)(ii) M1 q = K2CO3 = 50 × 4.18 × 1.5 = 313.5 (J) 2 M1 M2 ΔH2 = − = –12.54 kJ mol–1 0.025 ×1000 1(d) M1 2 × 1(c)(i) = 2 × 29.26 = 58.52 kJ mol–1 2 M2 M1 – 1(c)(ii) = +58.52 – (–12.54) = +71.06 kJ mol–1 1(e) Any two from: 2 • Heat loss OR heat gain (to / from surroundings) • Amount of solid not exactly 0.0250 moles • Experiment not carried out under standard conditions. 1(f) Add a lid to the polystyrene cup. 1 1(g) Burette. 1 1(h) Wear chemically resistant gloves 1 AND Reagent(s) are irritant(s).