Question

A student who is determining the enthalpy of an exothermic neutralization reaction has a choice between two calorimeters: Calorimeter A has a specific heat of 100 J/g0C and weighs 250g, Calorimeter B has a specific heat of 200 J/g0C and weighs 100g. If an ideal calorimeter would absorb no heat from the reaction, which calorimeter should the student use?

Answer 1

The answer is: Calorimeter B

Heat capacity of Calorimeter A = mass x specific heat of Calorimeter A

                                                = 250 x 100 = 25,000 J/deg C

Heat capacity of Calorimeter B = mass x specific heat of Calorimeter B

                                                = 100 x 200 = 20000 J/deg C

To minimize heat absorption -----> calorimeter with lower overall heat capacity should be chosen

that is Calorimeter B