Calorimetry

Question 1

Define exothermic in terms of bond energies.

Answer 1

The energy required to break the bonds is less than the energy released in making new ones.

Question 2

Define endothermic in terms of bond energies.

Answer 2

The energy required to break the bonds is more than the energy released in making new ones.

Question 3

What does a catalyst do?

Answer 3

It increases the rate of reaction by decreasing reaction energy.

Question 4

What are the possible causes of error for a calorimetry experimentation?

Answer 4

Heat energy escaping into surroundings

Not all fuel burned

Water not stirred

Some Heat energy used to heat the container

Question 5

How do you do a calorimetry experimentation?

Answer 5

> weigh the alcohol burner with its cap

> place 50cm3 of water into the copper container, measure the temperature of the water

> light the fuel burner and heat the water to 50 degrees Celsius, stirring the water constantly

> measure the mass of the fuel burner

Question 6

Why is the calorimetry method useful for comparing the energy of different fuels?

Answer 6

> because the inaccuracies are likely to have similar effects on each of the fuels