Standard Enthalpy

Definition

Standard enthalpy, also known as standard heat of formation, refers to the change in enthalpy during a chemical reaction under standard conditions (1 atm pressure and 298K temperature).

Analogy

Consider baking cookies at home. You have specific instructions on how much flour, sugar etc., you need (standard conditions), and once baked, your dough transforms into cookies (chemical reaction). The heat you used to bake these cookies is similar to the standard enthalpy.

Related terms

Hess's Law: States that the total enthalpy change of a chemical reaction is independent of the route by which the chemical reaction takes place.

Enthalpy Change: The amount of heat absorbed or released at constant pressure.

Thermochemistry: The study of energy and heat associated with chemical reactions.