Does temperature affect mass in chemistry

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether temperature affects mass in chemistry, particularly in the context of measuring mass and the implications of temperature changes on substances and measurement instruments. The scope includes conceptual considerations and practical implications related to mass measurement in chemistry.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that temperature does not affect mass directly, but it does influence the measurement process, particularly through the calibration of analytical balances at room temperature.
  • One participant proposes that cooling a substance may be necessary to prevent it from reabsorbing water, especially if the substance is hygroscopic.
  • Another participant mentions that convection currents caused by hot samples can create an ascending force that alters mass measurements, indicating a potential reason for cooling.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that temperature does not affect mass directly, but there are multiple competing views regarding the implications of temperature on measurement and the behavior of substances, leaving the discussion unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the effects of temperature on mass and measurement, as well as the specific conditions under which these effects may vary.

TheShapeOfTime
I asked this question in the physics general forum and didn't get a solid answer. They say temperature won't really matter here, so what would be a reason to let the substance cool, from a chemistry point of view?
 
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TheShapeOfTime said:
I asked this question in the physics general forum and didn't get a solid answer. They say temperature won't really matter here, so what would be a reason to let the substance cool, from a chemistry point of view?

Hi,
Don´t get surprised about it.

It´s just a problem of convection flux in air. If the sample is hot, the air surrounding it is warmed and it starts going upwards. Due to the non-zero viscosity of the air this can lead into an ascending force in the sample, altering the measure.
 
Temperature does not affect mass but it does effect the instrument measuring mass. Analytical balances are calibrated at room temperature.
 
Perhaps in your case the reason is to avoid the sample reabsorbing water (hot things that are getting cooled tend to absorb water). And you´re working with an higroscopic salt, so the cooling must be done in dry atmosphere before measuring.
 
Thanks for your replies!
 

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