Thermochemistry basics:\nThe standard heat of reaction depends primarily on which state variable(s)?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: temperature

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The heat (enthalpy) of reaction reflects the enthalpy difference between products and reactants at a specified temperature and pressure. Kirchhoff’s law shows how the standard reaction enthalpy changes with temperature via the difference in heat capacities of products and reactants.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Ideal-gas or condensed phases away from strong compression effects.
  • Reference to standard states (usually 1 bar) unless otherwise noted.
  • Negligible pressure dependence of enthalpy for condensed phases and ideal gases.


Concept / Approach:
For ideal gases and most condensed phases, enthalpy is primarily a function of temperature. Pressure effects on enthalpy are small (zero for ideal gases). Therefore, the heat of reaction at standard pressure varies with T according to ΔH°(T2) = ΔH°(T1) + ∫(ΔCp) dT. Pressure may affect equilibrium and volume work but not the enthalpy change itself in the ideal approximation.


Step-by-Step Solution:
State ΔH depends on temperature through heat capacities.For ideal gases, ∂H/∂p = 0, so pressure has no direct effect.Therefore select “temperature.”


Verification / Alternative check:
Thermodynamic identities confirm enthalpy’s T dependence; Joule–Thomson effects are separate phenomena and small under standard conditions.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Pressure alone does not change ΔH° materially for ideal gases/condensed phases; “both” overstates; “neither” understates; “composition only” ignores the clear T dependence.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing equilibrium position (pressure dependent) with reaction enthalpy (temperature dependent).


Final Answer:
temperature

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