Temperature in chemistry is a measurement that is proportional to the kinetic energy of the molecules in a given system. To calculate the temperature of a chemical reaction you may use a home-made or store bought calorimeter that protects the system so that energy cannot escape nor be added from the surroundings. The calorimeter lets you take temperature readings on both exothermic and endothermic chemical reactions. A digital thermometer is usually not necessary because of the uncertainty in significant figures with calorimeters.
- 2 Polystyrene Coffee Cups with Lids
- Thermometer
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Instructions
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1
Put the two polystyrene coffee cups inside one another.
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2
Make a hole in the coffee cup lid with a knife and put the thermometer through the hole.
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3
Add your first reactant to the calorimeter and take the initial temperature reading with a thermometer.
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4
Add the other reactant(s) and cover the calorimeter with the lid and thermometer. Wait for the reaction to finish and take the final temperature reading.
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5
Subtract your initial temperature reading from your final reading to learn the temperature of the chemical reaction.