Question

The heat of combustion for sugar is 5639 kJ/mole, but that for TNT is 3406 kJ/mole. Why, if the heat of combustion for TNT is smaller than for sugar, is TNT an explosive?

Answer 1

Heat of combustion used to explain the relative stability of the compounds.

The heat of combustion definition is the variation in energy released in the form of heat through the burning of an amount of any substance, all reactants being in the standard state (temperature of 25 C and pressure of 1 atm).

When the amount is quantified for 1 mole of said substance, one can define this quantity as the molar heat of combustion.

The molar heat of combustion values are defined in kilojoules per mole (KJ/mol). The kilojoule is a unit of energy and corresponds to 1000 or Joules (J). Mole is a unit of measurement used to express the amount of matter.

Now sugar is a non electrolyte so comparatively more stable hence more energy required to decompose the sugar hence its heat of combustion value is -5639kJ/mol high.

Where as TNT used as an explosive so it is susceptible for reaction and combustion, hence low amount of heat of combustionnis required for TNT that is -3406kJ/mol whuch is comparatively lower.

To know more about heat of combustion here

brainly.com/question/11103047

#SPJ4