The overall reaction formula for this neutralization would be:
Ba(OH)2 + 2HNO3 = Ba(NO3)2 + 2H2O
The heat of neutralization is based on the number of moles released.
Calculating for the number of moles of the reactants where moles can be calculated as: moles = molarity * volume
moles of Ba(OH)2 = 0.300 M * 0.4 L = 0.12 moles Ba(OH)2
moles of HNO3 = 0.600 M * 0.4 L = 0.24 moles HNO3
In the reaction, 2 moles of HNO3 is needed per 1 mole of Ba(OH)2, therefore the reactants react completely. The moles of Ba(NO3)2 = moles of Ba(OH)2.
Therefore the heat of neutralization, H is:
H = (- 56.2 kJ / mol) * 0.12 mol
H = - 6.744 kJ
Converting the Cp to J/°C:
Cp = (4.184 J/g·°C) (1 g/mL) (400 mL + 400 mL) = 3347.2 J/ °C
Calculating for the final temperature using the formula of enthalphy:
H = - Cp * (Tf – Ti)
6,744 J = (3347.2 J/ °C) (Tf - 16.91°C)
Tf = 18.92 °C