The process of determining the energy released when ethylene (CH) undergoes complete combustion with oxygen is a fundamental calculation in thermochemistry. This calculation yields the enthalpy change associated with the reaction where ethylene reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. For example, a precise determination might involve using a bomb calorimeter to experimentally measure the heat released under constant volume conditions, or it may involve applying Hess’s Law using known enthalpies of formation for the reactants and products.
The accurate determination of this energy release value is crucial for various applications, including industrial process design, safety assessments, and energy balance calculations. Understanding the quantity of energy liberated during ethylene combustion is paramount in optimizing combustion processes in engines and furnaces. Historically, accurate values for this energy release have been vital for chemical engineering and materials science, enabling the efficient and safe utilization of ethylene as a fuel or a chemical feedstock.
