What type of chemist would study the energies and heats involved in chemical reactions?

physical chemist

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The type of chemist who would study the energies and heats involved in chemical reactions is known as a thermodynamic chemist or a chemical thermodynamicist. This field of study is called chemical thermodynamics, and it focuses on understanding the energy changes that occur during chemical reactions.

Chemical thermodynamicists analyze the energy flow in a system by examining various factors, such as enthalpy (heat transfer), entropy (degree of disorder), and Gibbs free energy (available energy to do useful work). They measure and quantify these energy changes, which are essential for predicting and explaining the outcome of chemical reactions.

To study the energies and heats involved in chemical reactions, a thermodynamic chemist typically performs experiments in a laboratory. They might start by measuring the initial and final temperatures of the reactants and products. By determining the temperature change, they can calculate the heat energy exchanged during the reaction.

Chemical thermodynamicists use various instruments, such as calorimeters, to measure heat flow directly. They also utilize mathematical equations and models to calculate and predict energy changes. These calculations involve concepts like Hess's law, enthalpy, and energy diagrams.

Additionally, thermodynamic chemists may study the effect of pressure, temperature, and concentration on the energy changes in chemical reactions. They use concepts from thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum mechanics to understand the underlining principles of energy transfers during chemical reactions.

In summary, a thermodynamic chemist is specialized in studying the energies and heats involved in chemical reactions. They perform experiments, make measurements, and use mathematical models to understand energy changes and predict the outcome of chemical reactions.