Coffee Cup Calorimeter

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Description
Assembling the Calorimeter
Measuring the Temperauture
Adding Solutions to the Calorimter
Self Check Exercises
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Assembling the Coffee Cup Calorimeter

 

Video. Assembling a coffee cup calorimeter.

First, make sure that the calorimeter, the stirring rod, and the thermometer or thermal probe are clean and dry. Do not use an organic solvent (such as acetone) to dry the calorimeter, as organic solvents may dissolve the Styrofoam™.

After assembling the calorimeter as described in the video, and before beginning the experiment, make sure that:

  • the lid fits tightly

  • there is a way to measure the temperature of the reaction mixture

  • there is a way to mix the reaction mixture.

  • the thermometer or probe is secured with either a clamp or rubber band in a position above the stirring mechanism. Failure to position the thermometer correctly could lead to inefficient stirring, or worse yet, a broken thermometer!