Multiple Choice
Which statement best describes how a constant-pressure calorimeter works?
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8. Thermochemistry
Constant-Pressure Calorimetry
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In constant-pressure calorimetry, what is the primary purpose of calibrating the calorimeter before performing experiments?
A
To ensure the calorimeter is free from contaminants
B
To determine the heat capacity of the calorimeter for accurate measurement of heat changes
C
To adjust the pressure inside the calorimeter to atmospheric pressure
D
To measure the initial temperature of the reactants
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that in constant-pressure calorimetry, the goal is to measure heat changes (q) during a chemical reaction or physical process at constant pressure.
Recognize that the calorimeter itself absorbs some heat, so the measured temperature change includes heat absorbed by both the sample and the calorimeter.
Calibrating the calorimeter means determining its heat capacity, which is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of the calorimeter by one degree Celsius (or Kelvin).
By knowing the heat capacity of the calorimeter, you can correct for the heat absorbed by the calorimeter and isolate the heat change due to the reaction or process.
Therefore, the primary purpose of calibration is to accurately determine the calorimeter's heat capacity to ensure precise measurement of heat changes in subsequent experiments.
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