Is this reaction exothermic or endothermic? Fe(NO3)3+ NaSCN

To determine whether the reaction between Fe(NO3)3 and NaSCN is exothermic or endothermic, you need to examine the enthalpy change (∆H) of the reaction. This information can be found in a thermodynamics reference or chemistry database.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to determine whether a reaction is exothermic or endothermic:

1. Write out the balanced chemical equation for the reaction. The balanced equation for the reaction between Fe(NO3)3 and NaSCN is:

Fe(NO3)3 + 3NaSCN → Fe(SCN)3 + 3NaNO3

2. Look up the standard enthalpies of formation (∆Hf) for all the compounds involved in the reaction. ∆Hf values are usually given per mole of the compound at standard conditions (25°C and 1 atm). Make sure to use the correct units (usually kJ/mol).

3. Calculate the ∆H of the reaction by subtracting the sum of the ∆Hf of the reactants from the sum of the ∆Hf of the products.

∆H = (∆Hf of products) - (∆Hf of reactants)

4. If the ∆H value is negative (∆H < 0), the reaction is exothermic, meaning that it releases heat to the surroundings. If the ∆H value is positive (∆H > 0), the reaction is endothermic, meaning that it absorbs heat from the surroundings.

To summarize, to determine whether the reaction between Fe(NO3)3 and NaSCN is exothermic or endothermic, you need to find the ∆H of the reaction by comparing the enthalpies of formation of the reactants and products.