Abstract
It is important to discuss real-world problems when teaching a subject like thermodynamics in order to show the close relationship between classroom and laboratory work and chemistry as practiced. This manuscript describes the application of thermochemical concepts to the study of a real-world problem: the prediction of the combustion enthalpy of municipal solid waste. Two equations based on thermochemical concepts and two purely empirical formulas that are broadly used in combustion technology are compared with experimental data. Agreements and disagreements are analyzed. This problem is intended for the first physical chemistry course.
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Meraz, L., Oropeza, M. & Dominguez, A. Prediction of the Combustion Enthalpy of Municipal Solid Waste. Chem. Educator 7, 66–70 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00897020547a
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00897020547a