Home Back

Standard Formation Reaction Calculator

Standard Formation Reaction Equation:

\[ \Delta H_f^\circ = \sum \nu \Delta H_f^\circ \text{(products)} - \sum \nu \Delta H_f^\circ \text{(reactants)} \]

Enter one reactant per line as: coefficient,enthalpy (e.g., 2,-285.8)
Enter one product per line as: coefficient,enthalpy (e.g., 1,-393.5)

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is Standard Formation Reaction?

The standard formation reaction describes the formation of 1 mole of a compound from its elements in their standard states. The standard enthalpy of formation (ΔHf°) is the enthalpy change when 1 mole of a substance is formed from its elements under standard conditions (1 atm, 25°C).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard formation reaction equation:

\[ \Delta H_f^\circ = \sum \nu \Delta H_f^\circ \text{(products)} - \sum \nu \Delta H_f^\circ \text{(reactants)} \]

Where:

Explanation: The equation calculates the enthalpy change by summing the formation enthalpies of products minus the sum of formation enthalpies of reactants, each multiplied by their stoichiometric coefficients.

3. Importance of ΔHf° Calculation

Details: Standard formation enthalpies are essential for predicting whether reactions are exothermic or endothermic, determining reaction spontaneity, and designing chemical processes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter reactants and products with their stoichiometric coefficients and standard formation enthalpies (one per line). Example format: "2,-285.8" for 2 moles with ΔHf° = -285.8 kJ/mol.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are standard conditions?
A: Standard conditions are 1 atmosphere pressure and 25°C (298.15 K) with all substances in their standard states.

Q2: Why are some ΔHf° values zero?
A: The standard enthalpy of formation for elements in their standard states is defined as zero by convention.

Q3: Where can I find ΔHf° values?
A: Standard formation enthalpies are tabulated in chemistry reference books and databases like NIST Chemistry WebBook.

Q4: What units should I use?
A: The calculator uses kJ/mol. If your data is in J/mol or kcal/mol, convert it first (1 kJ = 1000 J; 1 kcal ≈ 4.184 kJ).

Q5: Can this be used for any reaction?
A: Yes, as long as you have the standard formation enthalpies for all reactants and products.

Standard Formation Reaction Calculator© - All Rights Reserved 2025