Physics 103.

1 2nd Sem AY 2014-2015

Calorimetry
Objectives
Determine the specific heat of different samples using a calorimeter.

Introduction
The amount of heat required to change the temperature of an object depends on its mass m,
the change in temperature T, and the specific heat capacity c:
=

(1)

The specific heat capacity is an intrinsic property of an object, and depends on the material
that the object is made of. For water, the specific heat capacity is 4.184 J/(g C).

Material
coffee cup calorimeter (2 Styrofoam cups)
digital thermometer
electric stove
pot
two metal samples
graduated cylinder
weighing scale

Experiment
A calorimeter is composed of an insulated vessel which prevents heat released by a thermal
interaction inside the vessel to escape into the surroundings. In this activity, the calorimeter
consists of stacked coffee cups. The calorimeter is partially filled with tap water. The sample
is then mixed into the tap water and the T of the tap water is measured. If the calorimeter
initially has the same temperature as the tap water, the amount of heat lost by the hot water is
equal to heat absorbed by the tap water and the calorimeter:
!"#$%& = !"#$%& !" !"# !"#$% + !"#$%& !" !"#$%&'()(%

(2)

The experiment is split into two parts. In the first part, the heat capacity of the calorimeter
will be determined. This information will then be used in the second part, the determination
of the specific heat capacity of metal samples.

1. Finding the heat capacity of a coffee cup calorimeter

The amount of heat gained by the calorimeter can be expressed as
!"#$%& !" !"#$%&'()(% = !"#$%&'()(%

(3)

where Ccalorimeter is the heat capacity of the calorimeter. Ccalorimeter is determined by monitoring
the temperature change of tap water in the calorimeter when hot water is added.
!"#$ !" !!" !"#$% = !"#$%& !" !"# !"#$% + !"#$%& !" !"#$%&'()(%

(4)

The specific heat capacity of the calorimeter can therefore be determined by measuring the
temperature changes in the hot water and tap water, and using equations (1) and (3).
Note that the correct temperature upon mixing of the cold water and hot water is
experimentally difficult to determine due to non-uniform heat distribution. One workaround
is the calibration curve: Track the temperature of the water mixture over time (i.e., 5 minutes)
in 1-minute (or less) intervals. Plot these measurements in a time-vs-temperature graph.
Extrapolate the temperature of the water mixture upon mixing. That is, from the graph, what
is the water mixture temperature at t = 0?
Do repeated measurements to get the best value for Ccalorimeter.
2. Finding the specific heat capacity of metals
The metal sample is placed in boiling water, raising its temperature to approximately 100 C.
When the hot metal is placed on the calorimeter containing room-temperature water,
spontaneous heat transfer happens between the metal, water and the calorimeter:
!"#$ !" !!" !"#$% = !"#$%& !" !"# !"#$% + !"#$%& !" !"#$%&'()(%

(5)

Do repeated measurements to get the best values for the specific heat of the metal samples.
Compare with the listed values of the specific heat. Account for any discrepancy.
Important notes:
Make sure that the calorimeter set-ups are well-insulated.
Do not let the thermometer touch the bottom of the calorimeter and the hot metals.
Ensure that no additional water is transferred into the calorimeter every time the
thermometer and the samples are dipped into the water.