Final answer:
The enthalpy change when 11.8 g of CH₃OH react with excess O₂ is approximately -234.7 kJ, calculated by first determining the moles of CH₃OH and then using the reaction's stoichiometry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to the calculation of the enthalpy change of a reaction involving methanol (CH₃OH) and oxygen (O₂). First, we need to determine the amount in moles of CH₃OH that corresponds to 11.8 g. The molar mass of CH₃OH is approximately 32.04 g/mol. Thus, 11.8 g of CH₃OH is equivalent to 11.8 g / 32.04 g/mol = 0.368 moles of CH₃OH.
Using the stoichiometry of the balanced equation, 2 moles of CH₃OH react with excess O₂ to produce an enthalpy change of -1277 kJ. To find the enthalpy change for 0.368 moles of CH₃OH, we set up a proportion:
(0.368 moles CH₃OH / 2 moles CH₃OH) = x kJ / -1277 kJ
Solving for x gives us the enthalpy change for 11.8 g of CH₃OH reacting:
x = (0.368 / 2) × -1277 kJ
x ≈ -234.7 kJ
Therefore, when 11.8 g of CH₃OH react with excess O₂, the energy change is approximately -234.7 kJ.