Potassium Chlorate(VII) decomposes to produce Potassium Chloride and Oxygen. Using the following data calculate the enthalpy change of this decomposition: Enthalpy of formation(KClO4) = -430 kJ mol-1, Enthalpy of formation(KCl) = -440 kJ mol-1

Firstly the equation of this decomposition should be worked out to be the following
KClO4(s) --> KCl(s) + 2O2(g)
The enthalpy of formation has been given for both KClO4 and KCl, so from this we know that Hess's Law should be used. This states that regardless of the multiple stages or steps of a reaction, the total enthalpy change for the reaction is the sum of all changes, so allows the following enthalpy triangle to be formed.
KClO4(s) --> KCl(s) + 2O2(g) ^- K(s) + Cl2(g) + 2O2(g) -^This then allows the enthalpy of reaction to be calculated, noting that O2 doesn't change between the formation and products so it's enthalpy of formation isn't needed.
Enthalpy of reaction = Enthalpy of formation(KCl) - Enthalpy of formation (KClO4) = -440 kJ mol-1 + 430 kJ mol-1= -10 kJ mol-1

Answered by Chemistry tutor

17661 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does a salt not conduct electricity in its solid state?


State and explain the effect of the following on the rate of a reaction: a) increasing temp b) increasing pressure c) increasing concentration of ONE reactant d) adding a catalyst. In each case state what will happen to the rate constant, k.


What is electronegativity?


A sample of strontium has a relative atomic mass of 87.7 and consists of three isotopes, 86Sr, 87Sr and 88Sr. In this sample, the ratio of abundances of the isotopes 86Sr: 87Sr is 1:1. Calculate the percentage abundance of the 88Sr isotope in this sample


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning