The enthalpy of neutralisation is defined as the heat change accompanying the reaction of one mole of H+ ions from an acid with one mole of OH− ions from a base to form one mole of water. For strong acids and strong bases, this value is constant at approximately −57.3 kJ mol−1 (given here as 57.0 kJ mol−1).
In the reaction between HNO3 and KOH (HNO3+KOH→KNO3+H2O), both are strong electrolytes .
- Identify the moles of reactants: We have 0.5 mol of H+ (from HNO3) and 0.2 mol of OH− (from KOH).
- Identify the limiting reagent: According to the sources, the reactant present in the least stoichiometric amount is the limiting reagent . Here, KOH (0.2 mol) is the limiting reagent.
- Calculate heat released: The amount of water formed is limited by the KOH, resulting in 0.2 mol of H2O.
Heat released = (moles of water formed) × (heat of neutralisation per mole)
Heat released = 0.2 mol×57.0 kJ/mol=11.4 kJ.
Thus, the total heat evolved is 11.4 kJ, which matches Option B.