Abstract

We describe the construction of a simple solution calorimeter, using a miniature bead thermistor as a temperature-sensing element. This has a response time of a few seconds and made it possible to carry out a thermometric reaction in under a minute, which led to minimal heat losses. Small temperature changes of 1 K associated with enthalpies of solution or enthalpies of neutralization can be measured with accuracy better than 1%. The degree of accuracy depended on how many measurements were made and gave the student an opportunity to think about different sources of error. (Contains 1 figure.)

Citation

Kavanagh, E., Mindel, S., Robertson, G. & Hughes, D.E.P. (2008). An Inexpensive Solution Calorimeter. Journal of Chemical Education, 85(8), 1129-1130. Retrieved June 7, 2023 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/72844/.

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Keywords

• College Science
• Computer Software
• Heat
• High School Students
• Introductory Courses
• Laboratory Experiments
• Measurement
• Measurement Equipment
• Reaction Time
• Science Instruction
• Scientific Concepts
• Thermodynamics
• undergraduate students
• Undergraduate Study