Find the maximum temperature (for cases a and b) that can be attained in the burning of methane at constant P according to the reaction
CH4(g) + 2O2(g) --> CO2(g) + 2H2O(g)
a.) in O2
b.) in air, which is 80% N2 and 20% O2.
Assume the reaction goes to completion. The reagents are initially at 298K, and there is no energy loss from the flame.
Standard heats of formation for the products in the vapor phase:
CH4 = -74.7 kJ/mol
CO2 = -395.5 kJ/mol
H2O = -241.8 kJ/mol
Heat capacities:
O2 = 25.7 J/mol K
N2 = 27.3 J/mol K
CO2 = 26.0 J/mol K
H2O = 30.5 J/mol K