Calorimetry Lab - Specific Heat
Objective:
Apply the experimental methods of Calorimetry in the determination of the
specific heat of an unknown metal.
Materials
Unknown metal
Balance
Styrofoam cup and lid
400 mL Beaker
Test tube holder
Graduated cylinder
Test tube, large
Hot plate
Thermometer
Paper towels
Distilled water
Safety
Handle the hot metal samples with care to avoid burns. Wear goggles!
Procedure:
1. Fill a large beaker about three-quarters full with DI water. Heat the water
to a boil using a hot plate.
2. Weigh 40 - 50 g of the assigned metal shots and place it in a large test
tube. Record the exact mass of the metal.
3. Put the test tube in the boiling water bath for approximately 15 minutes.
Be sure the test tube is in the water so the metal is completely
submerged.
4. Add 25.0 mL of distilled water into the calorimeter and record the volume.
Place the lid on top of the coffee cup.
5. Put a thermometer through the hole of the lid and record the initial
temperature of the water.
6. Measure the temperature of the water bath. This will be the initial
temperature of the metal.
7. Using a test tube holder, lift the test tube containing the heated metal shot
from the boiling water bath and quickly, yet carefully, pour the metal shot
into the calorimeter. Make sure no hot water from the outside of the test
tube drips into the calorimeter.
8. Gently stir the water and metal shot in the calorimeter.
9. Measure and record the highest temperature the mixture reaches. Record
this temperature in the data table as the final temperature of mixture.
10. Drain the water out of the calorimeter and pour the metal shots onto paper
towels. Pat the metal dry thoroughly. Dry the calorimeter.
Name_____________________________________________ Period_____
OBSERVATIONS AND DATA:
1. Mass of the metal ______________________g
2. Volume of the water____________________mL
3. Initial temperature of the water ____________°C
4. Initial temperature of the metal____________°C
5. Final temperature of the water and metal _____________°C
CALCULATIONS and CONCLUSION: Show your work.
1. Calculate the heat gained by the water using q = mCΔT.
Cwater = 4.184 J/g°C
2. Calculate the specific heat of the metal using q = mCΔT.
3. Calculate the percent error. % error = |your value – actual value| x 100
actual value
*Get the actual value from the white board.
4. Think of one reason why your answer does not match the actual value.