Methane is the main component of natural gas. Using the given reaction enthalpy, calculate the heat energy produced by the combustion of one kilogram of methane.

The heat energy produced is 53831.25KJ

Explanation:

METHANE is the main component of natural gas. It can undergo combustion reaction in air with a bright blue flame to produce carbondioxide and water. The heat of reaction (enthalpy) is negative because heat is absorbed during the chemical reaction. To calculate the heat energy produced by the combustion of one kilogram (1 kg) of methane the following steps are taken:

Molecular mass of methane =16 gm/mol.

So moles of 1 kg methane =

Given mass of methane ÷ molecular weight of methane

But the given mass = 1kg = 1000g

Therefore,

moles of 1000g methane = 1000÷16

= 62.5 moles

Hence, energy evolved = (moles of methane) × (heat of combustion)

Therefore,

heat energy produced= 62.5 × (-861.3kj)

= -53831.25kj

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