Unit 13b: Thermodynamics II: Reaction Thermochemistry
Reading
BJU Chemistry: Read Ch. 13 "Chemical Thermodynamics" from Enthalpy of Reaction to the end of the chapter
Zumdahl Chemistry: Read Ch. 6, from section 6.3 to the end
Topics
Labs
Thermite lab
Thermite is a mixture of finely-ground aluminum powder and red iron oxide, which is thoroughly mixed and ignited with a magnesium fuse. We will make a small amount and demonstrate it outside.
BJU Chemistry: Read Ch. 13 "Chemical Thermodynamics" from Enthalpy of Reaction to the end of the chapter
Zumdahl Chemistry: Read Ch. 6, from section 6.3 to the end
Topics
- Heat (enthalpy) of reaction
- Heat of formation
- Heat of combustion
- Entropy and Gibbs free-energy as a predictor of reaction tendency
Labs
Thermite lab
Thermite is a mixture of finely-ground aluminum powder and red iron oxide, which is thoroughly mixed and ignited with a magnesium fuse. We will make a small amount and demonstrate it outside.
Lecture outline
In the previous unit we were discussing the heating and cooling of simple substances. Melting ice into water and then boiling the water into steam was a good example.
In this unit, we are discussing the energy involved in chemical reactions. A good example is combining oxygen and hydrogen gases to form water and produce energy in a fuel cell. More dramatic examples are the thermite and black powder reactions. An example from biochemistry is your body converting glucose (blood sugar) into energy.
Topics
In the previous unit we were discussing the heating and cooling of simple substances. Melting ice into water and then boiling the water into steam was a good example.
In this unit, we are discussing the energy involved in chemical reactions. A good example is combining oxygen and hydrogen gases to form water and produce energy in a fuel cell. More dramatic examples are the thermite and black powder reactions. An example from biochemistry is your body converting glucose (blood sugar) into energy.
Topics
- Reaction energy diagrams
- Enthalpy of reaction, formation, and combustion. Hess' Law.
- Entropy and 2nd Law of Thermodynamics. Reaction tendency.
- Gibbs Free Energy. Calculating changes in free energy.

13._thermodynamics_homework__fuel_cell_black_powder_thermite_calculations_.docx |
"Concentration" PhET WebLab

phet_-_concentration_weblab__revised_2020_.docx |