PASCO ET-8499 Energy Transfer Calorimeter - Manual (Page 8)

Energy Transfer Calorimeter Electrical Equivalent of Heat
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Activity 2: Calorimetry
This experiment teaches the concept of conservation of energy: In an isolated system, the sum of
the heat that flows out of the objects that cool down, must equal the sum of the heat that flows into
the objects that heat up. Following is a list of required equpment for this activity.
Procedure
1. Prepare hot water for heating the object (70 - 100°C).
2. Measure the mass of the cup and the object.
3. Pour cool water, a few degrees below room temperature, into the inner cup.
4. Measure the combined mass of the cup and cool water to determine the net mass of the water.
5. Tie the object to a string and heat the object in a hot water bath. Allow enough time for the
object to come to equilibrium with the water.
6. Measure the temperatures of the hot and the cold water.
7. Transfer the object to the cup.
8. Swirl the cup to mix, and record final temperature of the water.
Compare the heat lost by the object to the heat gained by the cup and water to investigate
conservation of energy. Or work the problem backwards to find the specific heat of an "unknown"
sample.
Equipment Required
Calorimeter
Steam generator or Hot plate
Small object of known material (approx 10 cc)
Thermometer or Temperature sensor (0.1° resolution)
String