Why Is Dry Ice's Energy Change Considered Internal Rather Than Enthalpy?

In summary: So if the measured energy change was actually 580 J, then it was an internal energy change. In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving dry ice being placed in a steel jar and immersed in water, resulting in vaporization. The question asked whether the measured energy change of 580 J was an enthalpy change or an internal energy change, to which the answer was determined to be an internal energy change. The reason for this is because there was no change in volume or work done on the surroundings, making the change in enthalpy equal to the change in internal energy. The distinction between internal energy and enthalpy is also discussed, with an explanation of how the two are related and how the measured energy change in this scenario
  • #1
metallica007
8
0
Hi everyone
I need your help in the following problem:
Some dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) at -78oC is placed in a steel jar, which is subsequently sealed. The jar is immersed in a large beaker of water at room temperature until the dry ice has completely vaporized.
If the measured energy change was 580 J, was this an enthalpy change or an internal energy change?
Answer: internal energy change

My question is, why the answer is internal energy instead of enthalpy change? could be you please explain it to me :approve:
 
Last edited:
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #2
delta H = delta E + delta (PV)
In this case with no change in volume with the sealed jar and therefor no work done on the
surroundings. Then the change in enthalpy = the change in internal energy
 
  • #3
morrobay said:
delta H = delta E + delta (PV)
In this case with no change in volume with the sealed jar and therefor no work done on the
surroundings. Then the change in enthalpy = the change in internal energy

The pressure increases in that process while V remains constant. Hence delta PV=V delta P and this is different from 0. Hence delta E is not equal to delta H.
 
Last edited:
  • #4
DrDu said:
The pressure increases in that process while V remains constant. Hence delta PV=V delta P and this is different from 0. Hence delta E is not equal to delta H.

I can see that V delta P is not 0 above.
But with: delta U = delta H + delta work
And with: work = -p delta V
Therefore it still looks like delta U = delta H
in the context of lines 2 & 3

From this text: Physical Chemistry, GI Brown
change in energy = heat absorbed or evolved (q) - work done in expansion or contraction
(p delta V)
Internal energy change, delta U For a reaction carried out at a constant volume ( in a sealed container ) and if no other work is done , the change in energy called internal energy, delta U is equal to q, ( at constant volume )
 
Last edited:
  • #5
morrobay said:
But with: delta U = delta H + delta work
That's not correct, or, to be more explicit, it only holds true for isobaric processes, where the concept of Enthalpy is most useful.
 
  • #6
Thx a lot everyone
 
  • #7
http://www.patana.ac.th/secondary/science/anrophysics/ntopic10/commentary.htm

Scroll down to Isometric Processes:
This is a change that happens at constant volume
The work done in an isometric process is zero.
Therefore any change in internal energy of a gas in an isometric change is wholy due
to heat exchange between the system and the surroundings. delta U = Q
 
Last edited:
  • #8
The discussion is about the difference between U and H:
dU=q+w is an energy-balance for the system: if the volume of the system changes, some work needs to be done to displace against the external/environmental pressure p(env): This can also be taken as an energy-term: p(env)V is called 'flow-energy' /'pressure-energy/ pV-energy/ energy of displacement. Hence you can define H=U+p(env)V as the sum of 2 forms of energy. The energy balance now becomes dH= q +w' , where w' = useful work = - shaft work, and if no usefull work is done dH=q. In (reversible) thermodynamics no distinction is made between internal and external pressure (because they are assumed equal), which causes a lot of confusion. In the above: d(p(env)V)=0 hence dU=dH. See
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=88987&referrerid=219693 [post #7]
 
  • #9
metallica007 said:
Hi everyone
I need your help in the following problem:

If the measured energy change was 580 J,
was this an enthalpy change or an internal energy change?
Answer: internal energy change
My question is, why the answer is internal energy instead of enthalpy change? could be you please explain it to me :approve:

The main problem is that the question isn't well posed. If they had said "the measured heat exchanged" instead of "energy change".
But the measured energy change? What do I know how and whether they measured internal energy or enthalpy? Both potentials are well defined but only the internal energy change is equal to the heat generated in the process at hand.
 

Related to Why Is Dry Ice's Energy Change Considered Internal Rather Than Enthalpy?

1. What is dry ice and how is it made?

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide. It is made by pressurizing and cooling carbon dioxide gas until it turns into a solid at -109.3°F (-78.5°C).

2. How does dry ice sublimate?

Dry ice sublimates, which means it changes directly from a solid to a gas without going through a liquid phase. This occurs because the temperature of the dry ice is higher than its sublimation point (-109.3°F/-78.5°C), causing it to release carbon dioxide gas.

3. Can dry ice be used to cool substances without melting?

Yes, dry ice can be used to cool substances without melting because it sublimates at room temperature. This means that it can remain in its solid form while absorbing heat from the surrounding environment.

4. How does thermodynamics relate to dry ice?

Thermodynamics is the study of energy and how it is transferred between systems. Dry ice is related to thermodynamics because it undergoes a phase change, from solid to gas, due to changes in temperature and pressure.

5. Is dry ice safe to handle?

Dry ice should be handled with caution as it is extremely cold and can cause frostbite. It should only be handled with insulated gloves or tongs, and should never be ingested as it can cause severe damage to the mouth, throat, and internal organs.

Similar threads

  • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
18
Views
53K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
10K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
9K
Replies
13
Views
10K
Back
Top