What is the purpose of a calorimeter?
A. To determine the temperature of a chemical reaction
B. To determine the energy changes of a chemical reaction
C. To identify the specific temperature of an unknown substance
I think the answer might be c
A calorimeter may be used to determine the specific heat of an unknown substance and I think also to determine the T of a chemical reaction; however, I think the answer to the question is B. You want to measure the energy change (q) of a chemical reaction. If done at constant pressure (qp) you determine delta H; if done at constant volume (qv) it measures delta E.
THE ANSWER IS B
The correct answer is B. The purpose of a calorimeter is to determine the energy changes that occur during a chemical reaction.
Actually, the correct answer is B. The purpose of a calorimeter is to determine the energy changes of a chemical reaction.
To understand why, let me explain how a calorimeter works. A calorimeter is an instrument that measures the heat exchange between a system and its surroundings. It consists of a container, usually made of an insulating material, where the reaction takes place, and a thermometer to measure the temperature changes.
When a chemical reaction occurs inside the calorimeter, it may release or absorb energy in the form of heat. This energy change can be determined by measuring the temperature change of the reaction mixture.
To use a calorimeter to determine the energy changes of a reaction, you would start by measuring the initial temperature of the reaction mixture. Then, you would initiate the reaction and allow it to proceed. As the reaction progresses, the heat released or absorbed causes a change in the temperature of the mixture. By monitoring the temperature change throughout the reaction, you can calculate the heat energy change associated with the reaction.
So, in summary, the purpose of a calorimeter is not to determine the temperature of a chemical reaction (option A) or to identify the specific temperature of an unknown substance (option C). Its primary purpose is to determine the energy changes (heat) of a chemical reaction (option B).