The average propane cylinder for a residential grill holds approximately 18 kg of propane. how much energy (in kj) is released by the combustion of 20.00 kilograms of propane in sufficient oxygen?

Let's begin with the basic values that will be used in the solution.

The formula of propane is C3H8. It is an alkane, a hydrocarbon with the general formula of CnH2n+2. Notice that hydrocarbons have only Carbon and Hydrogen atoms. Its molar mass (M) is 44 g.

Molar Mass Calculation is done as like that

C=12 g/mol, H=1 g/mol. 1 mole propane has 3 moles Carbon atoms and 8 mole Hydrogen atoms. M (C3H8) = 3*12 + 8*1 = 44 g

Combustion reaction of hydrocarbons gives carbon dioxide and water by releasing energy. That energy is called as enthalpy of combustion (ΔHc°).

ΔHc° of propane equals - 2202.0 kj/mol. Burning of 1 mole C3H8 releases 2202 kj energy. Minus sign only indicates that the energy is given out (an exothermic reaction).

Let's write the combustion reaction.

C3H8 + O2 - - - > CO2 + H20 (unbalanced) ΔHc° = - 2202 kj/mol

Now, we calculate mole of 20 kg propane. Convert kilogram into gram since we use molar mass is defined in grams.

mole=mass/molar mass; n=m/M; n = 20000 g / 44 (g/mol) = 454 mole

1 mole propane releases 2202 kj energy.

454 mole propane release 2202 kj * 454 = 1000909 kj

The answer is 1000909 kj.