How do I assess the enthalpy of a combustion reaction, when MORE than one mole of hydrocarbon is combusted?

1 Answer
Oct 11, 2016

Enthalpy change, #DeltaH#, is quoted #"per mole of reaction as written."#

Explanation:

For simple hydrocarbon combustions, e.g.

#CH_4(g) + 2O_2(g) rarr CO_2(g) +2H_2O(g)#, #DeltaH=??#

the enthalpy change is quoted per mole of reaction as written. Clearly, if we double the amount of methane combusted we double the energy output of the reaction.