For each of these Lewis symbols, indicate the group in the periodic table in which the element X belongs: [Section 8.1] (a) X (b) X (c) X
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Textbook Solutions for Chemistry: The Central Science
Question
Acetylene (C2H2) and nitrogen (N2) both contain a triple bond, but they differ greatly in their chemical properties. (a) Write the Lewis structures for the two substances. (b) By referring to Appendix C, look up the enthalpies of formation of acetylene and nitrogen. Which compound is more stable? (c) Write balanced chemical equations for the complete oxidation of N2 to form N2O5 (g) and of acetylene to form CO2 (g) and H2O (g). (d) Calculate the enthalpy of oxidation per mole for N2 and for C2H2 (the enthalpy of formation of N2O5 (g) is 11.30 kJ/mol). (e) Both N2 and C2H2 possess triple bonds with quite high bond enthalpies (Table 8.4). Calculate the enthalpy of hydrogenation per mole for both compounds: acetylene plus H2 to make methane, CH4; nitrogen plus H2 to make ammonia, NH3.
Solution
The first step in solving 8 problem number trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: Acetylene (C2H2) and nitrogen (N2) both contain a triple bond, but they differ greatly in their chemical properties. (a) Write the Lewis structures for the two substances. (b) By referring to Appendix C, look up the enthalpies of formation of acetylene and nitrogen. Which compound is more stable? (c) Write balanced chemical equations for the complete oxidation of N2 to form N2O5 (g) and of acetylene to form CO2 (g) and H2O (g). (d) Calculate the enthalpy of oxidation per mole for N2 and for C2H2 (the enthalpy of formation of N2O5 (g) is 11.30 kJ/mol). (e) Both N2 and C2H2 possess triple bonds with quite high bond enthalpies (Table 8.4). Calculate the enthalpy of hydrogenation per mole for both compounds: acetylene plus H2 to make methane, CH4; nitrogen plus H2 to make ammonia, NH3.
From the textbook chapter Basic Concepts of Chemical Bonding you will find a few key concepts needed to solve this.
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