Chapter U5.102, Problem 1TAI

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The translation of calorimetry experiment into calories needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: Calorimetry is the technique in which the amount of heat discharge or absorbed by a chemical or physical change to be measured. It decides the reaction is exothermic or endothermic, by observing the variation in heat. It is used to quantify the reaction heat and it is an important part of thermodynamics.

Answer to Problem 1TAI

The number of calories of energy transferred is dependent on the mass of the substances and the temperature change.

Explanation of Solution

Different fuels transfer different amounts of energy during a combustion reaction. Temperature change, fuel mass, and volume of water may be converted into calories from a calorimetry process. Using the specific heat capacity of the substance that was heated by the reaction allows calculating the exact number of calories transferred by the combustion of the fuel.

Conclusion

The number of calories transferred from a substance that burns depends on the identity of the substance and its mass.