The cover page:
Determining Heat of Reactions using Calorimetry
Performed by: Jaspreet Kaur
Lab partner(s): Jaspreet Kaur, Muskan, Ramandeep Kaur
Performed on: 8 March, 2023
Alexander College
CHEMISTRY 101
With Dr. Miriam Grob
(3 marks)
Abstract: (5 marks)
The experiment is about the use of calorimetry to measure the reaction of heat. The main purpose
of the experiment is to the changes involved in the absorption or release of heat. In the
experiment, the heat capacity of the calorimeter finds by using cold and hot water, and the
enthalpy of neutralization by using NaOH, HCl and AcOH. The average Ccalorimeter is 454.3 J/°C,
the Tinitial is 24°C and Tfinal is 36°C of NaOH + HCl for the enthalpy of neutralization and NaOH
+ AcOH is Tinitial and Tfinal is 24°C and 35.5°C respectively. The experiment was successful in
determining the heat reaction of the calorimeter by using water, hydrochloric acid, sodium
hydroxide and acetic acid.
Introduction (5 marks)
Topic 1:
The physical and chemical changes that are involved in any reaction either the absorption or
release of heat. When heat is absorbed, the change is endothermic and is mentioned as a positive
sign (q>0). When the heat is released, the change is exothermic and is given a negative sign
(q<0). [1]
Topic 2:
The use of calorimetry is method for measuring the quantity of heat in a reaction. The two
polystyrene cups are used, one inside the other, and a piece of board with a hole to hold a
thermometer and cover the cups. So, the measuring of temperature become easier. [2]
Topic 3:
For finding the heat change, the equation used is, qcal = Ccal ΔT
qcal is the heat change and Ccal is the heat capacity of the calorimeter. By minus the initial
temperature from the final, in the end, it is the ΔT of the solution. [3]
Procedure (3 marks)
Table 1: Table of Reagents and hazards
Reagent Hazardous Properties
1) 2.0 M hydrochloric acid Corrosive
2) 2.0 M sodium hydroxide Highly Corrosive
3) 2.0 M acetic acid Flammable and Corrosive
Procedure: By using the cylinder, 50 ml of distilled water is taken and then poured Styrofoam
cup, and measure the temperature of the water is by using the thermometer. In the next step, repeat
the same procedure with warm water. After that, take 50.0 ml of 2.0 M HCl, record the initial
temperature, and pour 50.0 ml of 2.0 M NaOH into the HCl acid, then note the final temperature
after about 20 seconds. In the last step, the same procedure as the second step is repeated with the
NaOH and AcOH.
Results (5 marks)
Heat Capacity of the Calorimeter:
cold water Ti = 23°C
warm water Ti = 47°C
Temperature of inside calorimeter at 15 seconds intervals (˚C)
ΔTcold 10°C
ΔTwarm -14°C
qcold 2090 J
qwarm -2926 J
qcal 836 J
Ccal 454.3 J/°C
qHCl 5451.6 J
ΔHHCl 54516 J/mol = 55 kg
qAcOH 5224.4 J
ΔHAcOH 52244 J/mol = 52 kg
Tf = 33°C
Ccalorimeter = 454.3 J/°C
Average Ccalorimeter = 454.3 J/°C
Enthalpy of Neutralization
NaOH + HCl
Tinitial = 24°C
Tfinal = 36°C
NaOH + AcOH
Tinitial = 24°C
Tfinal = 35.5°C
Data description
For finding heat capacity of calorimeter, we need ΔTwarm, ΔTcold, qwarm, qcold, qcal
ΔTwarm = 33°C- 47°C = -14°C
ΔTcold = 33°C - 10°C = 23°C
qwarm = 209J/°C * -14°C = -2926 J
qcold = 209J/°C * 10°C = 2090 J
qcal = -qwarm - qcold = 2926J - 2090J = 836 J
Ccal = (qcal/ΔTcold) + 418 = (836J/ 23°C) + 418 = 454.3 J/°C
the heat capacity of the calorimeter, Ccal = 454.3 J/°C
Change in temperature:
Δt = final temperature - initial temperature = 36°C - 24°C = 12°C
Heat gained by calorimeter during reaction:
qcal = Ccal×Δt = 454.3 J/°C×12 °C = 5451.6 J
The heat of neutralization: q neutralization = -qcal = -5451.6 J
Moles of water produced in the reaction:
Moles H+ = 2.0 mol / L x 0.0500 L = 0.10 mol
Moles OH- = 2.0 mol / L x 0.0500 L = 0.10 mol
Enthalpy of neutralization per mole of water formed:
ΔH = (-5451.6/0.10 mol) * (KJ/1000J) = -55 KJ/mol
Discussion (5 marks)
The average calorimeter is 454.5 J/°C. For the enthalpy of neutralization, the initial temperature
of HCl and AcOH is 24°C and the final temperature after reacting with the base is 36°C for the
NaOH + HCl and 35.5°C for the NaOH + AcOH. The heat capacity of the calorimeter, Ccal is 454.3
J/°C. The result obtained in this experiment from the heat of neutralization is that the reaction
occurs is the exothermic reaction because the value comes with the negative sign in the end.
Error 1:
Inaccurate temperature measure: The one possibility of error in this experiment comes at the
time of noting the correct initial and final temperature. After measuring the temperature of one
solution with the thermometer, measuring the other immediately gives an incorrect result. At the
point of recording the temperature of hot water is confusing because the temperature goes up with
speed.
Unclean apparatus: The thermometer and calorimeter are not cleaned properly before use. The
thermometer was used again and again with different solutions.
Calculation: A huge possibility of an error during the calculations because there are calculations
at every step. Sometime, calculations are confusing while it have to convert into other SI unit.
Conclusion (5 marks)
In the conclusion, the heat will release in the neutralization heat reaction. The heat of calorimeter
will increase as the solution is transferred to it. The more energy is needed to produce more heat
as compared to the matter of acid and base.
Accurate temperature measure: Place the thermometer straight and balance for the accurate
temperature. For the temperature of hot water, when the water boil properly give the correct result
as compared to the other points.
Clean apparatus: For making fewer errors, the thermometer should be clean properly with water
before using other solutions. The cup used as a calorimeter must be washed after every step for the
better result.
Calculation: One needs to do the calculations with correct readings. It makes simple when
calculations done at the same time as the experiment. Always try to do calculations by simple
method rather than to make it complex.
References (2 marks)
List all your references here. For this lab report, you are allowed to copy the link to your online
resource here.
This link will be helpful for citing all your references according to the American Chemistry
Society http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/bk-2006-STYG.ch014.
1. Heat of reaction | Definition & Facts | Britannica
2. Coffee Cup Calorimeter | Ambrosia Baking
3. How to Calculate the Heat Gained by the Calorimeter | Sciencing
