Practical: Investigating Temperature Changes
Aim: To perform a calorimetry study of the reaction between HCl and NaOH
Materials:
- Dilute hydrochloric acid
- Dilute sodium hydroxide solution
- Styrofoam (polystyrene) calorimeter & lid
- 25 cm3 measuring cylinder
- Thermometer & stirrer
Diagram showing the apparatus for the calorimetry investigation for displacement, dissolving and neutralisation
Method:
- Using a measuring cylinder, place 25 cm3 of the NaOH solution into the calorimeter
- Measure and record the temperature of the solution
- Add 5 cm3 of the dilute HCl and stir
- Measure and record the highest temperature reached by the mixture
- Repeat steps 1 – 4 increasing the amount of acid added by 5 cm3 each time
Record your results in a suitable table, eg:
Evaluation:
Plot a graph of the results and draw a line of best fit, using the graph to determine what volume of acid causes the biggest change in temperatureConclusion:The larger the difference in the temperature the more energy is absorbed or released
