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Basic thermochemistry: Defining enthalpies of a reaction, bond enthalpy & standard conditions

Part 1 – Introduction to ΔH Enthalpy Changes & Thermochemistry - defining enthalpies of reaction, formation, combustion and neutralisation in chemical reactions, explaining bond enthalpy

Doc Brown's A-level Chemistry Exam Revision Notes for AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Salters, CIE, WJEC Eduqas & CCEA  A-level chemistry exam students, US grades 11-12 K12 AP Honors chemistry courses

[Author ©  Dr Phil Brown PhD: Doc Brown's exam revision notes suitable for students of advanced pre-university level theoretical-physical chemistry courses: Energetics-Thermochemistry- Thermodynamics: Introduction to enthalpy changes [updated July 15th 2026 *]

INDEX of ALL advanced level pages on thermochemistry and thermodynamics


Sub-index for this page - an introduction to enthalpy and defined enthalpy changes

1.1a Introduction to enthalpy changes

1.1b Enthalpy changes - exothermic and endothermic reactions - energy profiles

1.1c Standard conditions defined for thermochemistry and thermodynamics in general

1.1d Standard enthalpy changes - of reaction, of formation, of combustion & of neutralisation

1.1e Bond enthalpy defined and enthalpy level diagrams explained (following on from 1.1d)

1.1f Key revision points for this page on introducing enthalpies and standard conditions


INDEX of ALL advanced level pages on thermochemistry and thermodynamics

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ALL my advanced A level theoretical chemistry revision study notes

GCSE Level introduction to basic thermochemistry and calculations

1.1 Advanced Introduction to Enthalpy (Energy) Changes in Chemical Reactions

I have ASSUMED you have studied the GCSE notes on the basics of chemical energy changes

1.1a Introduction to enthalpy changes

This page is an introduction to advanced level ideas on exothermic or endothermic energy changes in chemical reactions – referred to as 'enthalpy changes' at constant pressure e.g. enthalpy of reaction, enthalpy of formation, enthalpy of combustion and also bond enthalpies ('bond energies' needed to break bonds).

The concept of enthalpy level diagrams is described and introduced and enthalpy changes are clearly distinguished from activation energies.

The notion of 'standard conditions' is described and why it is necessary to have data based on a standard defined temperature, pressure and concentration.

You need to be completely ok in interpreting enthalpy level and activation energy diagrams such as ...

(c) doc b (c) doc b

... and can clearly distinguish between enthalpy change and activation energy and the latter energy does change with a catalyst BUT a catalyst does NOT change the enthalpy value of the reaction.

The activation energy of a reaction will be rarely mentioned until the end of Part 3), but all important ideas from the GCSE page will be re–studied in their advanced level context, but I would still study the GCSE page first!

REMEMBER – all chemical changes are accompanied by energy changes or energy transfers, many of which can be directly measured, or, theoretically calculated from known enthalpy change values.


1.1b Enthalpy Changes and Thermochemistry

Some important initial definitions and examples:

The system: The reactants and products of the reaction being studied i.e. the contents of the calorimeter.

The surroundings: The means the rest of the 'world' including the i.e. a copper calorimeter, the surrounding air etc. etc.

Enthalpy H: The heat energy content of a substance. This cannot be determined absolutely but enthalpy changes for a chemical reaction can be measured directly or indirectly from theoretical calculations using known enthalpy values.

Enthalpy change ΔH: The net heat energy transferred to a system from the surroundings or from the surroundings to a system at constant pressure. The Greek letter delta Δ in maths implies a change, in this case a net heat energy change.

ΔH = Hfinal – Hinitial  (the units of delta H are kJ mol–1)

or ΔH = ∑Hproducts – ∑Hreactants

or ΔHθ(reaction) = ∑ΔHθf(products) – ∑ΔHθf(reactants)

The Greek letter delta Δ implies 'change in' ....

The Greek letter implies 'sum of' ....'

ΔHθf denotes a standard enthalpy of formation – which is explained further down.


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An exothermic reaction

A reaction in which heat energy is given out from the system to the surroundings i.e. the enthalpy of the reacting system decreases and the temperature of the system and surroundings rises.

This means Hreactants > Hproducts so that ΔH is negative (–ve).

The enthalpy of the reaction system is decreasing.

Example: All combustion reactions are exothermic

e.g. CH4(g) + 2O2(g) ==> CO2(g) + 2H2O(l)  ΔH = –890 kJmol–1

i.e. the figure of 890 kJ released refers to the complete combustion of 1 mole of gaseous methane (24 dm3), using exactly 2 moles of gaseous oxygen (48 dm3) to form exactly 1 mole of gaseous carbon dioxide (24 dm3) and 2 moles of liquid  water. These values refer to 298K (25oC and 1 atm/101 kPa)

Note some general points (which apply to all exothermic or endothermic changes, physical or chemical changes):

(i) All enthalpy values must be quoted with referenced to the ambient/assumed temperature and pressure of the system undergoing the physical or chemical change.

The usual standard reference conditions are 298K (25oC and 1 atm/101 kPa), and other criteria may apply e.g. 1 molar solution if applicable.

(ii) Not only the molar quantities must clearly indicated BUT the physical states of all the substances must be clearly stated too.

This is a convenient point to make the point about the importance of state symbols via the combustion of hydrogen. e.g.

H2(g) + 1/2O2(g) ==> H2O(l)  ΔH = –285.9 kJ mol–1, but for

H2(g) + 1/2O2(g) ==> H2O(g)  ΔH = –241.8 kJ mol–1

If the water forms remains as steam/vapour/gas, then 44.1 kJ less heat energy is released to the surroundings, because condensation is an exothermic process (g ==> l) and forming liquid water releases an extra 44.1 kJ. The –285.9 (~–286) kJ mol–1 is the usual value for the enthalpy of combustion of hydrogen you will encounter in your studies because at the standard temperature of 298K water is a liquid in its normal stable state.

(iii) This sort of combustion reaction can be measured in a calorimeter (see section 1.3). BUT, however the enthalpy change is measured, all equations should be read in molar terms when dealing with enthalpy values i.e. a delta H value goes with a specific equation.

(iv) Enthalpy change values are usually quoted in kJ mol–1, but take care in their interpretation because you must know what equation goes with the ΔH value!

e.g. the enthalpy of combustion usually refers to the complete combustion of one mole of the combustible material as for water above, BUT if you double the equation you must also double the enthalpy values for that equation

2H2(g) + O2(g) ==> 2H2O(l)  ΔH = 2 x –285.9 =  –571.8 kJ mol–1


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An endothermic reaction

A reaction in which the system takes in or absorbs heat energy from the surroundings i.e. the enthalpy of the system increases and the temperature of the system and surroundings falls OR the system must be heated to initiate the reaction and provide the heat absorbed.

This means Hproducts > Hreactants so that ΔH is positive (+ve).

The enthalpy of the reaction system is increasing.

Example: The thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate

CaCO3(s) ==> CaO(s) + CO2(g)  ΔH = +179 kJmol–1

i.e. 179 kJ of heat energy must be absorbed to decompose 1 mole of solid calcium carbonate into 1 mole of solid calcium oxide and 1 mole of gaseous carbon dioxide. Mr(CaCO3) = 100, so 17.9 kJ of heat energy is absorbed in decomposing 10g of limestone. This reaction requires an experimental temperature of 800–1000oC to achieve an appreciable rate of reaction and cannot be studied quantitatively in the laboratory. However it can be theoretically calculated from known enthalpy change values by means of a Hess's Law cycle calculation.


Reminder of energy profile differences between exothermic and endothermic reactions

The sets of diagrams below illustrate how exothermic (left) and endothermic (right) reactions are specified on an enthalpy level diagram.

(c) doc b (c) doc b

Simple enthalpy level diagrams for exothermic and endothermic reactions

(c) doc b (c) doc b

More complex enthalpy level diagrams for exothermic and endothermic reactions showing the activation energy 'hump' and reduction of activation energies by employing a catalyst


1.1c. Standard conditions defined for thermochemistry and thermodynamics in general

Standard conditions for referencing enthalpy values are essential for communicating accurate data throughout the scientific community.

It means values measured/calculated in one laboratory/research team can be used in another scientific establishment anywhere!, OR checked for accuracy by any other scientists.

In this way accurate enthalpy data can be built up and through time validated and perhaps more accurately measured with technological developments and theoretical calculations become more reliable.

A superscript θ means a standard enthalpy value (see further down the page)

This means the reactants/products start/finish at a specified temperature, pressure and concentration whatever the 'temporary' temperature change in the reaction – which is required to calculate the enthalpy change.

The net energy change is based on the products returning to the same temperature and pressure that the reactants started at.

The most frequently used standard conditions are:

a temperature of 298 K/25oC

Kelvin: K = 273 + oC, is used in any thermodynamic calculation.

In calorimetric calculations, the temperature change can be measured in oC.

a pressure of 1 atm/101 kPa

Units such as mmHg are never used in calculations, and atm are being increasingly less used in favour of the SI unit Pascal)

a concentration of 1.00 mol dm–3.

The use of standard conditions enables a database of delta H change to be assembled from which you can do theoretical calculations (see section 1.2 using Hess's Law).

Strictly speaking the standard conditions should be indicated in terms of the standard temperature and the reactants involved and standard delta H values are denoted with the Greek letter theta (θ).

By using data based on standard. agreed and defined conditions, then the data can be used universally by any laboratory around the world and also allows scientists to check each others experimental results.

Its pertinent here to consider the question – how can you have an standard enthalpy of combustion at 25oC when the flame temperature is perhaps peaking at over 1000oC !!!

The answer applies to all enthalpy changes what–so–ever!

The enthalpy change represents the heat energy change needed to restore the products to the temperature of the reactants at the start e.g. room temperature/25oC.


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1.1d. Examples of standard enthalpies

Standard Enthalpy of Reaction ΔHθr or reaction

is the enthalpy change (heat absorbed/released, endothermic/exothermic) when molar quantities of reactants as stated in an equation react under standard conditions (i.e. 298K/25oC, 1 atm/101kPa)

Examples

(i) NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq) ==> NaCl(aq) + H2O(aq)  (exothermic)

ΔHθr,298 = –57.1 kJ mol–1

(can also be described as an 'enthalpy of neutralisation')

(ii) CaCO3(s) ==> CaO(s) + CO2(g)  (endothermic)

ΔHθr,298 = +179 kJ mol–1

(can also be described as an 'enthalpy of thermal decomposition')


Standard Enthalpy of Formation ΔHθf or formation

is the enthalpy change when 1 mole of compound is formed from its constituent elements with both the compound and elements in their standard states ('normal stable states) i.e. at 298K/25oC, 1 atm/101kPa

(a) It may be endothermic or exothermic

(b) Any accompanying equation should involve the formation of 1 mole of the compound

The standard state is the most stable state of a substance at the standard temperature and pressure e.g. the physical state at 298K/25oC and 1 atm/101kPa pressure e.g.

H2(g)  H2O(l)  C(s)  O2(g), C3H8(g)  C8H18(l)  C24H50(s)  CO2(g)  CH3CH2OH(l)  etc.

Examples - some are just theoretical and some can actually happen

(i) C(s) + 2H2(g) ==> CH4(g)   ΔHθf,298(methane) = –74.9 kJ mol–1

(ii) 2C(s) + 2H2(g) ==> C2H4(g)   ΔHθf,298(ethene) = +52.3 kJ mol–1

(iii) 2C(s) + 3H2(g) + 1/2O2(g) ==> CH3CH2OH(l)   ΔHθf,298(ethanol) = –278 kJ mol–1

(iv) 1/2N2(g) + O2(g) ==> NO2(g)   ΔHθf,298(nitrogen dioxide) = +33.9 kJ mol–1

Note (a) The values can be positive/endothermic or negative/exothermic.

(b) The enthalpy of formation of elements in their standard stable states is arbitrarily assigned a value of zero.

This definition, together with experimental values of enthalpy changes allows a body of enthalpy change data to be accumulated and extended via theoretical calculations.


Standard Enthalpy of Combustion ΔHθc or combustion

is the enthalpy change when 1 mole of a fuel (or any combustible material) is completely burned in oxygen (or air containing oxygen) equated to standard conditions (298K/25oC, 1 atm/101kPa).

You should ensure just 1 mole of fuel appears in the equation to accompany the delta H value which is always negative i.e. always exothermic.

Examples

(i) C3H8(g) + 5O2(g) ==> 3CO2(g) + 4H2O(l)  ΔHθc,298K(propane) = –2219 kJ mol–1

(ii) CH3COOH(l) + 2O2(g) ==> 2CO2(g) + 2H2O(l)  ΔHθc,298K(ethanoic acid) = –876 kJ mol–1

In the calculations explained below just the subscripted letters r/f/c will be used for brevity and a temperature of 298K and a constant pressure 1atm assumed unless otherwise stated.

There is more the enthalpies of combustion of alkanes and alcohols in section 1.4a

and specifically a detailed discussion on the combustion of alcohols


Standard enthalpy of neutralisation ΔHθneutralisation

is the energy released when unit molar quantities of acid and alkali solutions completely neutralise each other at 298K/101 kPa (though pressure effects are insignificant for reactions only involving liquids, solutions or solids)

(i) NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq) ==> NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)  ΔHθneutralisation = –57.1 kJ mol–1

(ii) Ba(OH)2(aq) + 2HNO3(aq) ==> Ba(NO3)2(aq) + 2H2O(l)  ΔHθneutralisation = –116.4 kJ mol–1

(iii) ½Ba(OH)2(aq) + HNO3(aq) ==> ½Ba(NO3)2(aq) + H2O(l)  ΔHθneutralisation = –58.2 kJ mol–1

Note! It looks as if the enthalpy of neutralisation of barium hydroxide is approximately double that of sodium hydroxide i.e. ~ twice as exothermic! Well yes it is! and no it isn't!

Yes – ~twice as much energy is released per mole of the soluble base (alkali).

No – however, on the basis of heat released per mole of water formed, they are actually very similar to the other enthalpies of neutralisation in which one mole of water is formed.

In other words, which value you quote, depends on which point you want to make via a 'molar' equation.

Yet another example of carefully qualifying enthalpy values with respect to the context.

More on enthalpies of neutralisation


1.1e. Bond enthalpy, enthalpy level diagrams and enthalpies of formation

Bond Enthalpy ('bond energy')

This is the average energy absorbed to break 1 mole of a specified bond when all species involved are in the gaseous state.

e.g. for (i) H2(g) ==> 2H(g)  ΔH = +436 kJ mol–1  for the H–H bond

or for (ii)

CH3CH2Br(g) ==> CH3CH2(g) + Br(g)  ΔH = +276 kJ mol–1  for the C–Br bond

It is always endothermic and the reverse process – bond formation, is always exothermic. In many cases the values are averaged from a variety of 'molecular' situations because a specific bond enthalpy can vary slightly because of small differences in the molecular environment of the bond.

More on this in the bond enthalpy section.

Some examples of points made on this page with reference to an enthalpy level change diagram shown below which enthalpies of formation and reference to bond enthalpies as well.

enthalpy level diagram enthalpy of formation of aluminium oxide, gold(III) oxide and hydrogen chloride gas

General points: Arrows pointing downwards represent exothermic changes and arrows pointing upwards represent endothermic changes

1. The energy released when 1 mole of aluminium oxide is formed.

The ΔH value of –1669 kJ mol–1 corresponds to the very exothermic enthalpy of formation of Al2O3 or the enthalpy of the complete combustion of two moles of Al.

The very exothermicity of the reaction suggests, and correctly, that aluminium oxide is a very stable compound – it is thermally stable to at least 2500oC.

2. The endothermic enthalpy of formation of gold(III) oxide

It is a compound not readily formed and it decomposes on heating at ~150oC, so contrast this thermal instability with that of aluminium oxide.

3. This is a much more complex enthalpy level diagram involving hydrogen, chlorine and hydrogen chloride.

The +436 kJmol–1 represents the bond enthalpy for splitting one mole of hydrogen molecules into two moles of hydrogen atoms.

The +242 kJmol–1 is the bond enthalpy of chlorine molecules i.e. splitting 1 mole of chlorine molecules into two moles of chlorine atoms.

The –184 kJmol–1 is the enthalpy of formation of 2 moles of hydrogen chloride gas, which can be expressed as -92 kJmol-1.

Take care in matching ΔH values with the number of moles it refers too!

The very exothermic –862 kJmol–1 is the energy released theoretically when two moles of hydrogen chloride are formed directly from 2 moles of hydrogen atoms and 2 moles of chlorine atoms.

The latter indicates that the H–Cl bond enthalpy is +862/2 = 431 kJmol–1


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1.1f Key revision points for this page on introducing enthalpy changes

Enthalpy change (ΔH)) is the heat energy transferred at constant pressure during a chemical reaction.

It can be exothermic (negative ΔH) or endothermic (positive ΔH.

Students must master definitions of standard enthalpy changes e.g. formation, combustion, neutralisation and bond enthalpy and apply Hess’s Law, and avoid common misconceptions about signs, conditions, and bond enthalpy averages.


  • Definition of Enthalpy Change

    • Enthalpy (H) = heat energy content of a system at constant pressure.

    • ΔH = enthalpy of products – enthalpy of reactants.

    • Exothermic: (ΔH < 0) (heat energy released).

    • Endothermic: (ΔH > 0) (heat energy absorbed).

  • Standard Conditions

    • 298 K (25 °C), 100 kPa, substances in standard states.

    • Always quote these when defining standard enthalpy changes.

  • Types of Enthalpy Changes

    • Reaction: Energy change for a given balanced equation.

    • Formation (ΔHf): 1 mole of compound formed from elements in standard states.

    • Combustion (ΔHc): Energy released when 1 mole of substance completely burned in oxygen.

    • Neutralisation (ΔH(neut): Acid + base → 1 mole of water formed (per mole H2O).

    • Bond Enthalpy: Energy to break 1 mole of bonds in gaseous molecules (average values).

  • Hess’s Law (not dealt with on this page)


Common Misconceptions about enthalpy changes

  • Sign Confusion

    • Students often forget: exothermic = negative (ΔH), endothermic = positive.

    • Heat released ≠ positive value.

  • Standard Conditions Ignored

    • Many forget to state 298 K, 100 kPa, standard states in definitions.

  • Bond Enthalpy Misuse

    • Bond enthalpies are average values across molecules, not exact for one compound.

    • Calculations give approximate (ΔH), not precise.

  • Neutralisation Values

    • Students assume all neutralisations give the same enthalpy change. True only for strong acid + strong base (~ –57 kJ mol⁻¹). Weak acids/bases differ.

  • Formation versus Combustion

    • Confusing definitions: formation = from elements, combustion = burning in oxygen.

    • BUT, both apply to carbon for the same symbol equation!


Exam Revision Tips for enthalpy questions

  • Precise Definitions: Learn word-perfect definitions for each enthalpy change type. Examiners penalise vague answers.

  • Units: Always use kJ mol⁻¹. Forgetting “per mole” loses marks.

  • Equations: Write balanced chemical equations alongside enthalpy definitions.

  • Diagrams: Practice energy profile diagrams (exothermic versus endothermic).

  • Hess’s Law: Draw clear enthalpy cycles; label arrows with (\Delta H).

  • Bond Enthalpy Calculations (not on this page)

    • Break bonds (positive values).

    • Make bonds (negative values).

    • ΔH = energy released in forming bonds - energy absorbed in breaking bonds

    • See Bond Enthalpy Calculations

  • Neutralisation: Remember strong acid–strong base values are consistent; weak acid/base values are smaller (less exothermic).

  • Combustion: Always “complete combustion” in oxygen, not partial.

  • Formation: Elements must be in their standard states (e.g., O2 gas, graphite for carbon).

  • Cross-board alignment: All exam boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Salters, WJEC, CCEA, CIE, IB, AP) require:

    • Definitions under standard conditions.

    • Application of Hess’s Law.

    • Bond enthalpy calculations.

    • Recognition of exothermic versus endothermic processes.


Summary Table

Enthalpy Change

Definition

Typical Sign

Key Exam Tip

Reaction

Energy change for balanced equation

±

Always specify reaction conditions

Formation

1 mole compound from elements

±

Elements in standard states

Combustion

1 mole substance burned in O2

Negative

Must be complete combustion

Neutralisation

Acid + base → 1 mole H2O

Negative (~–57 kJ mol⁻¹ of H2O) for strong acid/base)

Weak acids/bases differ

Bond Enthalpy

Energy to break 1 mole bonds (average)

Positive (breaking bonds)

Use averages; approximate values

Final Tip:

Examiners love clarity. Always define ..., clear diagrams, calculate, and check signs.

Mislabelled signs and missing “per mole” are the most common lost marks.


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QUICK INDEX for Energetics: GCSE Notes on the basics of chemical energy changes – important to study and know before tackling any of the three Advanced Level Chemistry pages

INDEX of ALL advanced level pages on thermochemistry and thermodynamics

Parts 1–3 here * Part 1a–b ΔH Enthalpy Changes 1.1 Advanced Introduction to enthalpy changes of reaction, formation, combustion etc. : 1.2a & 1.2b(i)–(iii) Thermochemistry – Hess's Law and Enthalpy Calculations – reaction, combustion, formation etc. : 1.2b(iv) Enthalpy of reaction from bond enthalpy calculations  : 1.3a–b Experimental methods for determining enthalpy changes and treatment of results and calculations : 1.4 Some enthalpy data patterns : 1.4a The combustion of linear alkanes and linear aliphatic alcohols : 1.4b Some patterns in Bond Enthalpies and Bond Length : 1.4c Enthalpies of Neutralisation : 1.4d Enthalpies of Hydrogenation of unsaturated hydrocarbons and evidence of aromatic ring structure in benzene : Extra Q page A set of practice enthalpy calculations with worked out answers ** Part 2 ΔH Enthalpies of ion hydration, solution, atomisation, lattice energy, electron affinity and the Born–Haber cycle : 2.1a–c What happens when a salt dissolves in water and why? : 2.1d–e Enthalpy cycles involving a salt dissolving : 2.2a–c The Born–Haber Cycle *** Part 3 ΔS Entropy and ΔG Free Energy Changes : 3.1a–g Introduction to Entropy : 3.2 Examples of entropy values and comments * 3.3a ΔS, Entropy and change of state : 3.3b ΔS, Entropy changes and the feasibility of a chemical change : 3.4a–d More on ΔG, free energy changes, feasibility and applications : 3.5 Calculating Equilibrium Constants from ΔG the free energy change : 3.6 Kinetic stability versus thermodynamic feasibility - can a chemical reaction happen? and will it happen?

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INDEX of all my notes on thermochemistry and thermodynamics

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