1. Module 1

1.16. Page 4

Module 1: Lesson 3

Module 1—Thinking Energy

lab Lesson 3 Lab: Constructing and Testing a Calorimeter

 

Background Information

 

In Lesson 2 you learned about bomb calorimeters and how they are used to measure the energy content of food. Bomb calorimeters are complicated technical devices and are not available in most high school science laboratories. In this investigation you will construct and determine the precision of a simpler version of a calorimeter.

 

Purpose


In this investigation you will construct and determine the precision of a calorimeter.

 

Problem

 

What is the precision of the calorimeter tested as determined by percent experimental error?

 

Retrieve your copy of the Module 1: Lesson 3 Assignment that you saved to your computer earlier in this lesson. You will record data and complete your analysis in your Lesson 3 Assignment.

 

Materials
  • four polystyrene cups
  • thermometer
  • electronic balance
  • water
  • kettle

If you have access to the materials listed, you may be able to perform this investigation.


If you do not have access to these materials and a supervised laboratory, or if you would like to see the lab performed before you attempt it, view the virtual investigation “Lesson 3 Lab: Constructing and Testing a Calorimeter.” If you will not be completing the lab youself, remember to record data and observations as you view the presentation.

 

Procedure

 

Step 1: Construct a calorimeter by nesting two polystyrene cups.

Step 2: Make a hole in the bottom of the third polystyrene cup. A thermometer will be inserted into this hole later.

Step 3: Use the electronic balance to measure and record the mass of the calorimeter, including the lid.

Step 4: Remove the calorimeter from the balance. Add room temperature water to the calorimeter until it is just less than half full.

Step 5: Use the electronic balance to measure and record the mass of the half-full calorimeter, including the lid.

Step 6: Place the lid on the calorimeter and use the thermometer to measure the water temperature in the calorimeter.

Step 7: Use the kettle to prepare warm water with a temperature of approximately 60 °C.

Step 8: Add warm water from the kettle to the fourth cup until it is just less than one-third full.

Step 9: Use the electronic balance to measure and record the mass of the fourth cup containing the warm water.

Step 10: Place the lid on the calorimeter and use the thermometer to measure the temperature of the warm water.

Step 11: Transfer the contents of the fourth cup to the calorimeter. Attach the lid to the calorimeter. Insert the thermometer through the hole made in Step 2, and use the thermometer to gently mix the contents of the calorimeter. While mixing the contents, observe the temperature change and record the highest temperature for the calorimeter contents.

Step 12: Use the electronic balance to measure and record the mass of the fourth cup.

Step 13: Empty the contents of the calorimeter, dry the inside of the calorimeter, and repeat Steps 4–12 to obtain data for nine more trials.

Step 14: Clean each apparatus used, and return each apparatus to its appropriate place in the laboratory.

 

Module 1: Lesson 3 Assignment

 

If you have not already done so, retrieve your copy of the Module 1: Lesson 3 Assignment that you saved to your computer earlier in this lesson. Complete the Assignment and save it in your course folder. You will receive information later in the lesson on when to submit your work to your teacher.