Why calibrate calorimeter

One alternative is to calibrate the heater against some thermochemically convenient reaction, for example, the latent heat of vaporization of a liquid 1 , or the neutralization of a strong acid by a strong base 2.

These methods have their own disadvantages, and it was therefore decided to use a different method of calibration, either of the calorimeter itself or of the heater used to calibrate it.

Calvet, E. CAS Google Scholar. Clarke, E. Boivinet, P. Google Scholar. Asaro, F. Gol'din, L. Mann, W. Heat may be concentrated in an area of fluid and diluted in other areas. Stirring thus helps to make the reaction to occur faster, complete and thus a more accurate measurement can be made. Borek Mr. Quote from: kylon on July 04, , AM. This is known as the calibration factor of the calorimeter. Since every calorimeter has unique differences, such as, thickness of insulating material and construction material which absorbs different amounts of heat, then the calorimeter will also have a unique calibration factor.

Some clorimeters have a thick insulation padding while others are made of a wooden exterior. Email Link. This may be a silly question, but what does it mean to calibrate the calorimeter in a problem before you begin solving for your desired variable? Re: Calibrating Calorimeter Post by Bella Wachter 1A » Sun Feb 21, pm It essentially means that you run a reaction with a known heat value meaning you know how much heat this reaction releases or absorbs to see how much the temperature of the calorimeter rises or decreases.