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

18084 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

why does graphene conduct electricity?


Explain how pH changes can be minimised using a mixture of a weak acid and it's conjugate base


Please give the definition of Le Chatilier's principle. Use this to explain what would happen if you increased the temperature of an equilibrium in which the forwards reaction is exothermic.


What is the acid dissociation constant, Ka of the 0.150 mol dm–3 solution of weak acid HA with pH of 2.34?


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