1) Based on the following equations:
2CO2(g) ----> O2(g) + 2CO(g) change in enthalpy = +566.0kJ
2C(g) + O2(g) --------> 2CO(g) change in enthalpy = -221.0 kJ
Determine the enthalpy change for the folowing:
C(graphite) + O2(g) ---------> CO2(g)
Hess' Law is definitely valid. In fact, your pathway is wrong. It is C (s) -> CO (g) -> CO
2 (g), so the enthalpy change is given as " [ -221.0kJ - (+556.0 kJ) ] / 2"
The plus or minus sign of the parenthess depends whether I am going against the direction of the arrow sign in the given reaction steps above. I divide by 2 because the addition in the numerator is for 2 moles of carbon dioxide gas produced.