Practice exam-style IB Chemistry questions for Energy cycles in reactions, aligned with the syllabus and grouped by topic.
What happens energetically when a covalent bond is broken by homolytic fission?
Energy is released and two radicals are formed.
Energy is released and two ions are formed.
Energy is absorbed and two ions are formed.
Energy is absorbed and two radicals are formed.
Why are many bond enthalpy values described as average bond enthalpies?
They are calculated only from complete combustion reactions.
They are mean values for the same bond in different molecular environments.
They are measured only for ionic compounds in the solid state.
They are always equal to standard enthalpies of formation.
What does Hess’s law state about the enthalpy change of a reaction?
It is independent of the route provided the initial and final states are the same.
It is zero for all reactions carried out under standard conditions.
It is always equal to the activation energy of the reaction.
It depends on the number of intermediate steps used in the reaction.
A C–I bond is longer than a C–Cl bond. What is the best prediction about their relative bond enthalpies?
The two bonds must have identical bond enthalpies because both contain carbon.
C–Cl has the lower bond enthalpy because chlorine is more electronegative.
C–I has the higher bond enthalpy because iodine has more electrons.
C–I has the lower bond enthalpy because the bonded atoms are farther apart.
What is the standard enthalpy change of formation of (\ce{CO2
\(\ce{2C(s, graphite) + 2O2(g) -> 2CO2(g)}\)
\(\ce{C(s, diamond) + O2(g) -> CO2(g)}\)
\(\ce{C(s, graphite) + O2(g) -> CO2(g)}\)
\(\ce{CO(g) + 1/2O2(g) -> CO2(g)}\)
What is (\Delta H_f^\ominus) for (\ce{O2
A positive value because the O=O bond must be broken.
0 kJ mol⁻¹ because no bonds are present.
0 kJ mol⁻¹ because it is an element in its standard state.
A negative value because oxygen supports combustion.
Define bond enthalpy.
State why bond-breaking is endothermic.
State Hess’s law.
State the condition that must be satisfied for Hess’s law to be applied to two alternative routes.
Write the equation, including state symbols, for the standard enthalpy change of formation of (\ce{CH3OH(l)}).
State the value of (\Delta H_f^\ominus) for (\ce{H2(g)}).
Use the average bond enthalpies to calculate the enthalpy change, in kJ mol⁻¹, for:
[\ce{H2
−247 kJ mol⁻¹
+247 kJ mol⁻¹
−184 kJ mol⁻¹
+184 kJ mol⁻¹
Methanol reacts with hydrogen chloride:
[\ce{CH3OH
+73 kJ mol⁻¹
−1 kJ mol⁻¹
+1 kJ mol⁻¹
−73 kJ mol⁻¹
A thermochemical equation has (\Delta H = -92) kJ mol⁻¹. The equation is reversed and then multiplied by 2. What is the new enthalpy change?
+184 kJ mol⁻¹
−184 kJ mol⁻¹
+46 kJ mol⁻¹
−46 kJ mol⁻¹
For (\ce{N2
−46 kJ mol⁻¹
−92 kJ mol⁻¹
+46 kJ mol⁻¹
+92 kJ mol⁻¹
What is the standard enthalpy change of combustion of ethanol?
The enthalpy change when any mass of ethanol reacts with oxygen at any pressure.
The enthalpy change when one mole of ethanol burns completely in oxygen under standard conditions.
The enthalpy change when ethanol burns incompletely to carbon monoxide and water.
The enthalpy change when one mole of ethanol forms from carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.
In a Born–Haber cycle, what process is represented by:
[\ce{Cl
First electron affinity of chlorine.
Lattice enthalpy of chloride.
Atomization of chlorine.
First ionization energy of chlorine.
Propene reacts with hydrogen:
[\ce{CH3CH=CH2
-> CH3CH2CH3(g)}]
The bonds changed are C=C and H–H broken; C–C and two C–H bonds formed. Use: C=C = 614, H–H = 436, C–C = 347, C–H = 414 kJ mol⁻¹.
Calculate the total energy required to break the bonds.
Calculate (\Delta H) for the reaction.
A bond enthalpy calculation for a reaction involving ethanol
gives a value different from the experimental value.
State one assumption made when average bond enthalpies are used.
Explain why the calculated value may differ from the experimental value.
The C–Br bond in bromoethane is weaker than the C–Cl bond in chloroethane.
State the meaning of a weaker bond in terms of bond enthalpy.
Suggest how this affects the relative rates of nucleophilic substitution of bromoethane and chloroethane.
A student combines these equations:
[\ce{P -> Q}\quad \Delta H = +120 ext{ kJ mol}^{-1}]
[\ce{R -> Q}\quad \Delta H = -45 ext{ kJ mol}^{-1}]
State the enthalpy change for (\ce{Q -> R}).
Determine the enthalpy change for (\ce{P -> R}).
Use the following standard enthalpies of formation to calculate (\Delta H^\ominus) for:
[\ce{CO
-> CO2(g)}]
(\Delta H_f^\ominus): (\ce{CO(g)}) = −111 kJ mol⁻¹; (\ce{CO2(g)}) = −394 kJ mol⁻¹; (\ce{O2(g)}) = 0 kJ mol⁻¹.
State the expression used with formation data.
Calculate (\Delta H^\ominus).
Write the balanced equation for the standard enthalpy change of combustion of propan-1-ol, (\ce{C3H7OH(l)}), forming (\ce{CO2(g)}) and (\ce{H2O(l)}).
Explain why the coefficient of propan-1-ol must be one.
Graphite and diamond are allotropes of carbon.
State the value of (\Delta H_f^\ominus) for graphite.
Explain why (\Delta H_f^\ominus) for diamond is not necessarily the same value.
The graph shows average bond enthalpy against bond length for several single bonds involving carbon.

Describe the general relationship shown by the graph.
Identify the carbon–halogen bond expected to require the least energy to break.
Explain why the use of average bond enthalpies may give an enthalpy change different from an experimental value.
Suggest how the trend helps explain the relative rates of nucleophilic substitution of chloroethane and iodoethane.
The energy profile represents bond breaking followed by bond formation for a simple reaction.

Identify the part of the diagram representing energy absorbed in bond-breaking.
Identify the part of the diagram representing energy released in bond-forming.
Determine whether the overall reaction is exothermic or endothermic.
Explain your answer to
in terms of bond energies.
For a reaction, (\ce{A -> C}), the enthalpy change is +35 kJ mol⁻¹. For (\ce{B -> C}), the enthalpy change is −20 kJ mol⁻¹. What is the enthalpy change for (\ce{A -> B})?
−15 kJ mol⁻¹
−55 kJ mol⁻¹
+55 kJ mol⁻¹
+15 kJ mol⁻¹
Use combustion enthalpies to calculate (\Delta H^\ominus) for:
[\ce{C2H4
+3257 kJ mol⁻¹
−3257 kJ mol⁻¹
+137 kJ mol⁻¹
−137 kJ mol⁻¹
A Born–Haber cycle defines lattice enthalpy as:
[\ce{MX
Zero, because ions are already present in the solid.
Negative, because gaseous ions form a stable lattice.
Negative for univalent ions and positive for divalent ions.
Positive, because energy is required to separate oppositely charged ions.
Which ionic compound is expected to have the largest lattice enthalpy of separation?
\(\ce{KBr}\)
\(\ce{MgO}\)
\(\ce{NaCl}\)
\(\ce{LiF}\)
The following enthalpy changes are known:
[\ce{X -> Y}\quad \Delta H = -64 ext{ kJ mol}^{-1}]
[\ce{Z -> Y}\quad \Delta H = +18 ext{ kJ mol}^{-1}]
Write an expression for (\Delta H) for (\ce{X -> Z}).
Calculate (\Delta H) for (\ce{X -> Z}).
Hydrogen bromide adds to ethene:
[\ce{CH2=CH2
-> CH3CH2Br(g)}]
Average bond enthalpies: C=C = 614, H–Br = 366, C–C = 347, C–H = 414, C–Br = 276 kJ mol⁻¹.
Identify the bonds broken and formed that need to be considered.
Calculate (\Delta H) for the reaction.
Use combustion enthalpies to calculate (\Delta H^\ominus) for:
[\ce{CH3OH
-> CH3COOCH3
(\Delta H_c^\ominus): (\ce{CH3OH(l)}) = −726; (\ce{CH3COOH(l)}) = −875; (\ce{CH3COOCH3(l)}) = −1592 kJ mol⁻¹. Water is not combusted.
State the Hess expression using combustion data.
Calculate (\Delta H^\ominus).
The following processes occur in a Born–Haber cycle for (\ce{NaCl
(s)}):
[\ce{Na
-> Na(g)}]
[\ce{Na
-> Na+
-> Cl(g)}]
[\ce{Cl
Name the first two processes.
Name the last two processes.
Magnesium oxide has a much larger lattice enthalpy than sodium chloride.
State two factors that influence lattice enthalpy.
Explain why (\ce{MgO}) has a larger lattice enthalpy than (\ce{NaCl}).
A table gives average bond enthalpies for bonds involved in the reaction:
[\ce{CH4
| Bond | Average bond enthalpy / kJ mol⁻¹ |
|---|---|
| C–H | 413 |
| Cl–Cl | 242 |
| C–Cl | 338 |
| H–Cl | 431 |
-> CH3Cl
Use the table to identify the bonds broken.
Use the table to identify the bonds formed.
Calculate (\Delta H) for the reaction.
State why this value is an estimate.
The enthalpy cycle shows two routes from (\ce{A}) to (\ce{D}), either directly or through (\ce{B}) and (\ce{C}).

State the law that justifies using the cycle.
Use the cycle to write an expression for the direct enthalpy change (\Delta H_1).
Determine the unknown enthalpy change labelled (x).
A student determined two enthalpy changes by calorimetry and used a Hess cycle to find the enthalpy change of a decomposition reaction that cannot be measured directly.
| Step | Reaction | Mass solution / g | c / J g⁻¹ °C⁻¹ | Initial temp / °C | Final temp / °C | ΔT / °C | Amount / mol |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experiment 1 | MgCO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl2(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l) | 50.0 | 4.18 | 21.0 | 26.0 | +5.0 | 0.0200 |
| Experiment 2 | MgO(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl2(aq) + H2O(l) | 50.0 | 4.18 | 21.0 | 37.5 | +16.5 | 0.0200 |
| Unknown | MgCO3(s) → MgO(s) + CO2(g) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Read from the table the temperature change for experiment 1.
Calculate the heat change, (q), for experiment 1 using (q=mc\Delta T).
Use the cycle to determine the decomposition enthalpy.
Suggest one reason why the experimental value may differ from a data-booklet value.
A table gives standard enthalpies of formation for the reaction:
[\ce{4NH3
| Species | ΔHf° / kJ mol⁻¹ |
|---|---|
| NH3(g) | −46.1 |
| O2(g) | 0 |
| NO(g) | +90.3 |
| H2O(g) | −241.8 |
-> 4NO
State the value of (\Delta H_f^\ominus) for (\ce{O2(g)}).
Use the data to calculate (\Delta H^\ominus) for the reaction.
Explain why (\ce{H2O(g)}) and (\ce{H2O(l)}) would have different (\Delta H_f^\ominus) values.
State whether the reaction is exothermic or endothermic from your result.
The table shows standard enthalpies of formation for two allotropes of carbon and two carbon oxides.
| Substance | ΔHf° / kJ mol⁻¹ |
|---|---|
| C(s, graphite) | 0.0 |
| C(s, diamond) | +1.9 |
| CO(g) | −110.5 |
| CO₂(g) | −393.5 |
Identify the standard state of carbon from the table.
Write the formation equation for (\ce{CO(g)}) using the standard state of carbon.
Use the table to determine (\Delta H^\ominus) for (\ce{C(s, diamond) -> C(s, graphite)}).
Explain why allotropes can have different standard enthalpies of formation.
For (\ce{LiF
(s)}), use these data:
(\Delta H_f^\ominus[\ce{LiF(s)}]) = −617 kJ mol⁻¹; atomization of Li = +161 kJ mol⁻¹; atomization of F = +79 kJ mol⁻¹; first ionization energy of Li = +520 kJ mol⁻¹; first electron affinity of F = −328 kJ mol⁻¹.
Lattice enthalpy is defined as (\ce{LiF
-> Li+
Write the Hess expression for the lattice enthalpy.
Calculate the lattice enthalpy.
The Born–Haber cycle shown is for (\ce{KBr

(s)}). Lattice enthalpy is defined as separation into gaseous ions.
Identify the step labelled (A).
Identify the step labelled (B).
Use the cycle to determine the lattice enthalpy of (\ce{KBr(s)}).
State one reason why (\ce{KBr}) has a smaller lattice enthalpy than (\ce{KF}).
The table gives standard enthalpies of combustion for compounds in the hydrogenation of propene:
[\ce{C3H6
| Compound | ΔH°c / kJ mol⁻¹ |
|---|---|
| C3H6(g) | −2058 |
| H2(g) | −286 |
| C3H8(g) | −2220 |
-> C3H8(g)}]
State the Hess expression for calculating (\Delta H^\ominus) using combustion enthalpies.
Calculate (\Delta H^\ominus) for the reaction.
Explain why the order of reactants and products in the combustion expression is opposite to that used with formation enthalpies.
Ethene reacts with chlorine:
[\ce{CH2=CH2
-> CH2ClCH2Cl(g)}]
Average bond enthalpies: C=C = 614, Cl–Cl = 242, C–C = 347, C–H = 414, C–Cl = 327 kJ mol⁻¹.
Identify the bonds broken and formed that should be considered in the calculation.
Calculate the enthalpy change for the reaction and explain why the value obtained from average bond enthalpies may differ from an experimental value.
A reaction (\ce{A -> D}) can occur directly or through intermediates (\ce{B}) and (\ce{C}). The enthalpy changes are:
(\ce{A -> B}), +52 kJ mol⁻¹; (\ce{B -> C}), −118 kJ mol⁻¹; (\ce{D -> C}), +36 kJ mol⁻¹.
State Hess’s law and explain why it applies to this system.
Determine (\Delta H) for (\ce{A -> D}) and discuss one experimental reason why a calorimetric Hess cycle may give an uncertain value.
The average bond enthalpies of C–Cl and C–I are different.
Compare the bond lengths and bond enthalpies of C–Cl and C–I.
Explain how these differences influence the rates of nucleophilic substitution reactions of chloroalkanes and iodoalkanes, and relate your answer to bond-breaking and bond-forming in reactions.
The diagram shows a Born–Haber cycle for (\ce{MgO

(s)}). Lattice enthalpy is defined as:
[\ce{MgO
-> Mg^{2+}
Identify why two ionization energy steps are included for magnesium.
Identify why two electron affinity steps are included for oxygen.
Use the cycle to determine the lattice enthalpy.
Explain why the second electron affinity of oxygen is positive.
Hydrogen cyanide adds to ethanal in a reaction that can be estimated using average bond enthalpies. In a simplified model, one C=O bond and one H–C bond in (\ce{HCN}) are broken, while one C–O, one O–H and one C–C bond are formed.
Bond enthalpies: C=O = 743, H–C = 414, C–O = 358, O–H = 463, C–C = 347 kJ mol⁻¹.
Calculate the enthalpy change predicted by this simplified bond enthalpy model.
Evaluate the reliability of this prediction for a reaction carried out in aqueous solution.
The reaction between methane and steam is:
[\ce{CH4
-> CO
(\Delta H_f^\ominus): (\ce{CH4(g)}) = −75; (\ce{H2O(g)}) = −242; (\ce{CO(g)}) = −111; (\ce{H2(g)}) = 0 kJ mol⁻¹.
Define standard enthalpy change of formation and state why (\Delta H_f^\ominus) for (\ce{H2(g)}) is zero.
Calculate (\Delta H^\ominus) for the reaction and discuss the importance of state symbols in this calculation.
The hydrogenation of benzene is:
[\ce{C6H6
-> C6H12(l)}]
Standard enthalpies of combustion: (\ce{C6H6(l)}) = −3267 kJ mol⁻¹; (\ce{H2(g)}) = −286 kJ mol⁻¹; (\ce{C6H12(l)}) = −3920 kJ mol⁻¹.
Write the Hess expression used with combustion enthalpies and explain why (\ce{H2}) must be multiplied by 3.
Calculate (\Delta H^\ominus) for the hydrogenation reaction and evaluate one advantage of using combustion data rather than average bond enthalpies for this reaction.
Standard enthalpy changes of formation and combustion are both used in Hess-law calculations.
Define standard enthalpy change of combustion and write the combustion equation for (\ce{C2H5OH(l)}).
Compare the use of formation data and combustion data to calculate reaction enthalpies, including the form of the Hess expressions and one reason why state symbols are important.
A Born–Haber cycle is used to determine the lattice enthalpy of (\ce{CaO
(s)}), defined as:
[\ce{CaO
-> Ca^{2+}
Identify the types of enthalpy changes that must appear in the cycle to form gaseous (\ce{Ca^{2+}}) and (\ce{O^{2-}}) ions from the elements.
Explain how the lattice enthalpy is obtained from the cycle and why (\ce{CaO}) has a much larger lattice enthalpy than (\ce{KCl}).