When aqueous solutions of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide are mixed, they react according to the equation
HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l) ΔH° = –57.3 kJ (per mole of water formed)
A student combines 0.350 L of 1.50 M HCl with 0.300 L of 2.00 M NaOH in an insulated beaker.
(a) Determine the limiting reactant for the reaction.
(b) Calculate the number of moles of H2O(l) produced.
(c) Calculate the enthalpy change, in kilojoules, for the reaction that occurs in the beaker.
(d) Describe why the molar enthalpy for the neutralization of any strong acid with any strong base in dilute aqueous solution is nearly the same as the value given above.