6. Lesson 6: Calorimetry Lab

Carole Namowicz, Shruti Researcher
Chemistry
100 min
High School
v5
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Overview

Students will utilize a calorimeter to measure the energy released in the following exothermic reaction:

Ca (s) + 2 H2O (l) → Ca(OH)2 (aq) + H2 (g)

The chemical reaction occurs when solid calcium metal is added to water, so the reaction can be set up to take place inside the calorimeter. Students will use three different quantities of calcium that they must test a minimum of three trials each. They will calculate the heat absorbed by the solution using the formula

qsolution = msolution • Cs solution • ∆T

msolution = mass of water + mass of calcium

Cs solution = specific heat of water

∆T = final temperature inside calorimeter – initial temperature inside calorimeter

The different quantities of calcium used will allow them to more accurately calculate the enthalpy of the reaction in kilojoules per mole.

This lab will require students write a formal lab report.

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Underlying Pages

Standards

Next Generation Science Standards
  •   Physical Science
    • [HS-PS1-4] Develop a model to illustrate that the release or absorption of energy from a chemical reaction system depends upon the changes in total bond energy.
    • [HS-PS3-2] Develop and use models to illustrate that energy at the macroscopic scale can be accounted for as a combination of energy associated with the motions of particles (objects) and energy associated with the relative positions of particles (objects)
Computational Thinking in STEM
  •   Data Practices
    • Collecting Data
    • Creating Data
    • Manipulating Data
    • Visualizing Data
    • Analyzing Data
  •   Modeling and Simulation Practices
    • Assessing Computational Models
    • Using Computational Models to Understand a Concept
  •   Systems Thinking Practices
    • Communicating Information about a System
    • Investigating a Complex System as a Whole
    • Thinking in Levels
    • Understanding the Relationships within a System
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