Practical: Investigating Temperature Changes (Edexcel IGCSE Science (Double Award)) : Revision Note
Practical: Investigating Temperature Changes
Aim:
To perform a calorimetry study of the reaction between HCl and NaOH
Apparatus:
Dilute hydrochloric acid
Dilute sodium hydroxide solution
Styrofoam (polystyrene) calorimeter & lid
25 cm3 measuring cylinder
Thermometer & stirrer
Simple calorimeter

A lid is required to prevent heat loss
Method:
Using a measuring cylinder, place 25 cm3 of the NaOH solution into the calorimeter
Measure and record the temperature of the solution
Add 5 cm3 of the dilute HCl and stir
Measure and record the highest temperature reached by the mixture
Repeat steps 1 – 4 increasing the amount of acid added by 5 cm3 each time
Results:
Record your results in a suitable table
Volume of acid (cm3) | Temperature (oC) |
---|---|
5 |
|
10 |
|
15 |
|
20 |
|
25 |
|
Plot a graph of the results and draw a line of best fit, using the graph to determine what volume of acid causes the biggest change in temperature
Conclusion:
The larger the difference in the temperature the more energy is absorbed or released
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