Standard Enthalpy of Combustion
The enthalpy change when one mole of a substance burns completely in excess oxygen under standard conditions.
Formula / equation
ΔH_c°
Unit
kJ/mol
In depth
Combustion enthalpies are always negative and are measured very accurately in a bomb calorimeter, which is why they are often used with Hess's law to obtain formation enthalpies that cannot be measured directly. They also give the energy content of fuels and foods.
Examples in the real world
Methane releases 890 kJ/mol, ethanol 1367 kJ/mol, and glucose 2803 kJ/mol.