Figure 1
Introduction Nearly all chemical reactions involve either the release or absorption of heat. These reactions are classified as either exothermic or endothermic. An exothermic process is a chemical reaction in which heat generated is released. When we perform an exothermic reaction in a flask, it initially warms. Later, heat from the flask flows to the surrounding air until a temperature balance is established. A calorimeter is the device used to measure the heat absorbed or generated during a chemical reaction. The heat of reaction can be calculated from the following equation: (1) q = Cď „t Where: Q = The quantity of heat released or absorbed. m = The mass of the substance. C = The heat capacity of the substance. ď „T =The change in temperature. In this experiment we follow the temperature changes that occur during the dissolution of sodium hydroxide in water. A polystyrene coffee cup will serve as a calorimeter.