When using your method to find "the theoretical heat of reaction", would that be in kJ or kJ/mol? If it is in kJ, how can I change it to kJ/mol and compare to my answer?
I have one more question, when it appears like below, what is the kJ/mol refering to? kJ/mol O2? kJ/mol H2O? Or...?
H2(g)+ 1/2 O2(g) -> H2O(l) Delta Hx=-285.8kJ/mol
Thanks for your *delete me*
In the equation you gave, it's stating that -285.5 kJ are given off for every mole of water that is formed. There are no standard heats of reaction tables. The heat of reaction has to be calculated from the heats of formation. What you do see tables of are heats of formations of compounds. A pure element in its standard state has no heat of formation value. So H2, O2, Na, Mg, Cl2, etc. etc. have no delta heat of formation.
For your second question, the best place to look for heats of formations are the CRC Handbook, or the internet. (Though the internet can be kind of tough). Since pure elements in their standard states have no enthalpies of formation, the values for Mg(s) and H2(g) are 0. You will just need to look up HCl(aq) and MgCl2(aq). (If you can't find the aqueous heats of formation, you may be able to just use the pure compound heats of formation as I don't think there is a whole lot of difference, unless the dissolution in water releases a good deal of heat).