The Term Calorimetry - Essay Example

Introduction The term calorimetry is term used to de the act or science of taking measurements of the energy changes within a system that is either physical or chemical in nature. The major aim is to obtain the heat transfer or heat linked with such changes. The experiment entailed herein will attempt to demonstrate the evidence of calorimetry. The device used in measuring the amount of heat transfer from an object is herein known as a calorimeter. A primary parameter for measurement is the Latent heat of fusion of ice. In this regard, the essential data in determining the latent heat of fusion of ice are; the mass of ice ( M ice ), volume of water and temperature of water in oC. Theory The first component of the theory segment in this experiment will entail the isolation of a container beyond the precints of heat or errors prone to affect the experimental outcome. Another important parameter for measurement will be the can’s and containers specific heat capacity. This is moreso because it aid in slow or steady increase or decrease of temperature. Evidently, transfer of thermal energy between two objects is only feasible when they are at different temperatures. The experiment herein will investigate the thermal energy of a solid (ice) to liquid (water) state. In this regard, thermal energy will be lost by the ice and gained by the water. Design and Construction The design and construction of the calorimeter entails a can and container. There is a space between the can and container that functions as a heat insulator. Consequently, minimal exchange of heat occurs between the can and container. Furthermore, a digital thermometer is used in determining the liquids temperature within the container. In the middle of the container, a can is placed with ice in it. To aid in the equal distribution of heat throughout the vessel, a stirrer will be used in stirring the liquid. Laces are equally useful holding up the inner vessel suspended within the center of the outer container. A plastic lid or cover with holes is used in attaching the thermometer and stirring rod. Experiment The experiment is constituted by the following items: A plastic can cut in half for ice Digital thermometer Stirrer Water (80 oz. = 2.4 kg) Ice (100mL = .1 kg) Measuring cup Isolated tank The device used in the experiment for taking measurements of the energy changes within a system that is either physical or chemical in nature is known as a calorimètre. During the experiment, temperature recordings of the water inside the calorimeter were taken as the ice was melting. In this regard, measurements were conducted at intervals of every 30 seconds. Two trails of the experiment were conducted. Prior to recording the water temperatures, the stirrer was used in stirring the water for 30 seconds. The solution for the latent heat of ice was determined by the following equation; Lice = (m water)*(C water)*(T2-T1) water)/(m ice) The findings of the experiment are depicted in the table and graphs below; For trail 1 Time (s) Water Temperature (C) L ice 30 25.8 94.60 60 25.5 141.91 90 25.2 141.91 120 25 94.60 150 24.6 473.02 180 24.3 141.91 210 24 141.91 240 23.9 47.3 270 23.4 236.51 300 23.2 94.60 330 22.9 141.91 360 22.8 47.30 390 22.5 141.91 420 22.4 47.3 450 22.4 0 480 22.1 141.91 510 22 0 540 22 0 TRAIL 2 Time (s) Water Temperature (C) L ice 30 21.0 2365 60 20.8 851.43 90 20.3 3388.15 120 20.0 178.32 150 19.7 178.32 180 19.6 59.44 210 19.3 178.32 240 19.1 118.89 270 18.9 118.89 300 18.5 237.76 330 18.2 178.32 360 18.5 178.32 390 18.3 118.89 420 18.3 0 450 18.2 59.44 480 18.1 59.44 510 18.1 0 540 18.0 59.44 570 17.9 59.44 600 17.8 59.44 630 17.7 59.44 660 17.6 59.44 690 17.5 59.44 720 17.4 59.44 750 17.3 59.44 780 17.3 0 810 17.2 59.44 840 17.1 59.44 870 17.0 59.44 Discussion of results From the two trail experiments, the latent heat of ice was discovered to be as follows; For trial 1. The latent heat of ice came out as 473.02. The accepted latent heat of ice was supposed to be 333.7. Therefore the percentage difference or error was; [(473.02-333.7)333.7]x 100%= 41.75% For trial 1. The latent heat of ice came out as 237.76. The accepted latent heat of ice was supposed to be 333.7. Therefore the percentage difference or error was; [(237.76-333.7)/333.7] x 100%= -28.75% Some pictures of our experiment Read More