# Problem: When backpacking in the wilderness, hikers often boil water to sterilize it for drinking. Suppose that you are planning a backpacking trip and will need to boil 36 L of water for your group. What volume of fuel should you bring? Assume each of the following: the fuel has an average formula of C7H16; 15% of the heat generated from combustion goes to heat the water (the rest is lost to the surroundings); the density of the fuel is 0.78 g/mL; the initial temperature of the water is 25.0 oC; and the standard enthalpy of formation of C7H16 is –224.4 kJ/mol.

###### FREE Expert Solution

We are asked to calculate the volume of fuel you should bring.

Calculate heat of combustion fo fuel:

C7H16(g) + 11 O2(g) → 7 CO2(g) + 8 H2O(g)

Note that we need to multiply each ΔH˚f by the stoichiometric coefficient since ΔH˚f is in kJ/mol.

Also, note that ΔH˚f for elements in their standard state is 0.

ΔH°rxn = -4464.73 kJ

Calculate heat needed to boil per g:

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###### Problem Details

When backpacking in the wilderness, hikers often boil water to sterilize it for drinking. Suppose that you are planning a backpacking trip and will need to boil 36 L of water for your group. What volume of fuel should you bring? Assume each of the following: the fuel has an average formula of C7H16; 15% of the heat generated from combustion goes to heat the water (the rest is lost to the surroundings); the density of the fuel is 0.78 g/mL; the initial temperature of the water is 25.0 oC; and the standard enthalpy of formation of C7H16 is –224.4 kJ/mol.