----------Chemistry--------

Question

Prove that the enthalpy change of formation is equal to the total change reaction using carbon dioxide.

C₂H₅OH + O₂ ------> CO₂ + H₂O

C2H5OH ------- ΔH= -278KJ

O₂ ------- ΔH= 0

CO₂ ------- ΔH= -393 KJ

H₂O ------ ΔH= -286 KJ

Answer 1

So "School K.",

Balance your given reaction. Then compare sums of heats of formation for each side (including multiplying by the coefficients).

The question is a real muddle, but that's what you're supposed to sort out, perhaps. If your instructor asked it like that, I'd be happy to offer him/her 1 free session of checking his/her upcoming test text, and offering pointers on disambiguating!

-- Cheers, --Mr. d.