Neutralization of a strong monoprotic acid by a strong base in dilute aqueous…
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · A Level · Chemistry · Energetics · Energetics
Problem
Neutralization of a strong monoprotic acid by a strong base in dilute aqueous solution releases 57.3 kJ of energy per mole of water produced. Which of the following best explains the negative value of ΔHrxn for this process?
(a) The reaction mixture cools as neutralization proceeds, so heat is absorbed from the surroundings, giving the reaction a negative ΔH.
(b) The chemical potential energy of the products is lower than that of the reactants, so excess energy is transferred to the surroundings as heat.
(c) The products possess stronger bonds than the reactants; therefore energy is absorbed to form these bonds, which makes ΔH negative.
(d) Neutralization increases the disorder of the system, and the resulting entropy increase drives ΔH to negative values.