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Energetics

Measuring enthalpy changes by experiment

  • 3 things to know
  • Unit AS 2

Overview

Two assumptions made when a calorimetry result is calculated and specific heat capacity of water used in these calculations.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Describe how the enthalpy change for the displacement of copper by zinc is measured.

Key term

Describe the method used to measure the enthalpy of combustion of a liquid fuel.

Key term

Describe how a graph is used to correct a calorimetry result for heat loss.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What apparatus is used to measure the enthalpy change of a reaction taking place in solution?

    Model answer

    A simple calorimeter is used, consisting of an expanded polystyrene cup with a lid, a thermometer and a stirrer.

  2. 2

    Describe how the enthalpy change for the displacement of copper by zinc is measured.

    Model answer

    A measured volume of copper(II) sulfate solution of known concentration is placed in a polystyrene cup and its temperature recorded, excess zinc powder is added with stirring, and the highest temperature reached is recorded.

  3. 3

    Why is the zinc added in excess in that displacement experiment?

    Model answer

    Using excess zinc ensures that all the copper(II) sulfate reacts, so the amount of the limiting reagent is known exactly from the solution measurements.

  4. 4

    Describe the method used to measure the enthalpy of combustion of a liquid fuel.

    Model answer

    The fuel is burned in a spirit burner beneath a copper can holding a measured mass of water, the temperature rise of the water is recorded, and the burner is reweighed to find the mass of fuel burned.

  5. 5

    State two assumptions made when a calorimetry result is calculated.

    Model answer

    The solution is assumed to have the same density and specific heat capacity as water, and no heat is assumed to be lost to the surroundings.

  6. 6

    State the specific heat capacity of water used in these calculations.

    Model answer

    The specific heat capacity of water is taken as 4.18 J g⁻¹ K⁻¹.

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