Practical: Investigating Temperature Changes (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (Modular))

Revision Note

Test yourself

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

Last updated:

You've read 0 of your 10 free revision notes

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

Did this page help you?

Stewart Hird

Author: Stewart Hird

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 Topic Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.

Lucy Kirkham

Author: Lucy Kirkham

Expertise: Head of STEM

Lucy has been a passionate Maths teacher for over 12 years, teaching maths across the UK and abroad helping to engage, interest and develop confidence in the subject at all levels.Working as a Head of Department and then Director of Maths, Lucy has advised schools and academy trusts in both Scotland and the East Midlands, where her role was to support and coach teachers to improve Maths teaching for all.