Practical: Investigating Temperature Changes (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry: Double Science)

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Practical: Investigating Temperature Changes

Aim:

  • To perform a calorimetry study of the reaction between HCl and NaOH

Apparatus:

  • Dilute hydrochloric acid
  • Dilute sodium hydroxide solution
  • Styrofoam (polystyrene) calorimeter & lid
  • 25 cm3 measuring cylinder
  • Thermometer & stirrer

Simple calorimeter 

Calorimetry equipment set up

A lid is required to prevent heat loss

Method:

  1. Using a measuring cylinder, place 25 cm3 of the NaOH solution into the calorimeter
  2. Measure and record the temperature of the solution
  3. Add 5 cm3 of the dilute HCl and stir
  4. Measure and record the highest temperature reached by the mixture
  5. Repeat steps 1 – 4 increasing the amount of acid added by 5 cm3 each time

Results:

  • Record your results in a suitable table
Volume of acid (cm3) Temperature (oC)
5  
10   
15  
20  
25  

  • Plot a graph of the results and draw a line of best fit, using the graph to determine what volume of acid causes the biggest change in temperature

Conclusion:

  • The larger the difference in the temperature the more energy is absorbed or released

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Stewart

Author: Stewart

Expertise: Chemistry Lead

Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Exam Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.