Measuring Heat

Calorimeters and q = mcΔT

An interactive lesson with 6 steps, about 5 minutes: you predict, drag and solve, with instant feedback on every answer. It runs in your browser and needs JavaScript.

What you’ll learn

• q = m c ΔT, with c = 4.18 J/(g·°C) for water.
• Divide q by moles reacted to get ΔH per mole; heat out means ΔH < 0.

Steps

1. Let water do the measuring
2. Mix acid and alkali
3. Heat of neutralisation
4. Per mole
5. Burning a peanut
6. A careless calorimeter