The change in enthalpy for any process occurring at constant pressure is equal to the ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Enthalpy is defined as H = U + PV, where U is the internal energy, P is the pressure, V is the volume. At constant pressure, the work done by the system is simply PΔV. Therefore, the enthalpy change is equal to ΔH = ΔU + PΔV. If the process is carried out at constant pressure, then the only work done is due to expansion or compression of the system, and this is equal to the heat exchanged at constant pressure (q_p). Therefore, ΔH = q_p, so the change in enthalpy for any process occurring at constant pressure is equal to the heat at constant pressure.

The Change in Enthalpy for Any Process Occurring at Constant