Chemistry Thermochemistry MDCAT 2017
PMDC Verified Question 69 of 81
Calculate the lattice energy of sodium chloride on the basis of Born-Haber cycle when:
\( \Delta H_f [NaCl] = -411 \text{ KJmol}^{-1}, \Delta H_{at} [Na] = +107 \text{ KJmol}^{-1}, \Delta H_{at} [Cl] = +122 \text{ KJmol}^{-1}, \)
\( \Delta H_{i} [Na] = +496 \text{ KJmol}^{-1}, \Delta H_{ea} [Cl] = -349 \text{ KJmol}^{-1} \)
A
\( 376 \text{ kJ/mole} \)
B
\( +787 \text{ kJ/mole} \)
C
\( -376 \text{ kJ/mole} \)
D
\( -787 \text{ kJ/mole} \)
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option D: \( -787 \text{ kJ/mole} \)
Concept:

The Born-Haber cycle utilizes Hess's law to equate the direct enthalpy of formation (\( \Delta H_f \)) to the sum of all individual step enthalpies: atomization, ionization, electron affinity, and lattice energy.

Formula:

$$ \Delta H_f = \Sigma \Delta H_{\text{steps}} + \Delta H_{\text{lattice}} $$
$$ \Delta H_{\text{lattice}} = \Delta H_f - (\Delta H_{at}[Na] + \Delta H_{at}[Cl] + IE[Na] + EA[Cl]) $$

Solution:

  • Sum the indirect steps (excluding lattice):
    \( 107 \text{ (atom Na)} + 122 \text{ (atom Cl)} + 496 \text{ (IE Na)} + (-349) \text{ (EA Cl)} = 376 \text{ kJ/mol} \).


  • Apply Hess's Law equation:
    \( \Delta H_{\text{lattice}} = \Delta H_f - \Sigma(\text{other steps}) \)


  • Substitute values:
    \( \Delta H_{\text{lattice}} = -411 - (376) \)


  • \( \Delta H_{\text{lattice}} = -787 \text{ kJ/mol} \).


Why other options are incorrect:

\( +787 \) is the magnitude but reversed sign, representing lattice dissociation instead of formation. \( 376 \) and \( -376 \) are merely the sum of the non-lattice steps in the cycle, omitting the crucial \( \Delta H_f \) term.

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