Other Explosives and Propellants

Finally, we note that propellants for rockets and the like are often explosive mixtures of liquids 100% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), liquid oxygen, and even liquid fluorine have been used as oxidants in rockets for light substances such as hydrazine (N2H4) or unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine [(CH3)2N—NH2], while torpedoes and submarines have been powered with diesel fuel oxidized by hydrogen peroxide. Indeed, had the fast Walter H2 02-turbine U-boats come into service earlier than December 1944, the Second World War might have taken a rather different turn. 

1 At any given temperature T, the thermodynamic equilibrium constant K° for a given reaction is related to the standard enthalpy of reaction AH and the entropy of reaction AS by 

If the standard heat capacity change of reaction is ACp, we can write 

2 (a) Suppose a chemical reaction has two simultaneous (parallel) pathways of comparable importance in the middle of a particular temperature range, but different activation energies. Sketch the plot of In k against T over that range. 

4 Compare the estimated enthalpy change for the reaction of acetylene with hydrogen to give ethane 

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