calculate the heat energy produced by the combustion of one kilogram of methane

Question

Methane is the main component of natural gas. Using the given reaction enthalpy, calculate the heat energy produced by the combustion of one kilogram of methane.

CH4 (g)+2O2 (g)⟶CO2 (g)+2H2O (l) Δ𝐻rxn=−861.3 kJ

Heat energy: ? kJ

Answer 1

CH₄ (g) + 2O₂ (g)⟶CO₂ (g) + 2H₂O (l) ΔH_rxn = −861.3 kJ/mol

ΔH_rxn = −861.3 kJ/mol means 861.3 kJ heat energy is produced for each mole of CH₄ 

1000 g CH₄ × 1/16 mol/g = 1000/16 = 62.5 mol CH₄

62.5 mol × 861.3 kJ/mol = 53,940 kJ heat energy is produced

Answer

53,940 kJ heat energy is produced from combustion of one kilogram of methane.