Why Must HCl and NaOH Be at Equal Temperatures for Mixing in Experiments?

[chemistry4all]

Calorimeter questions?

Homework Statement

I need help with answering some questions

A. Why do the temp of HCl and NaOH have to be essentially equal before mixing them?

B. Why is it necessary to measure the volumes of the liquids as accurately as possible?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[collinsmark]

A. Why do the temp of HCl and NaOH have to be essentially equal before mixing them?

I don't think I follow what your experiment is exactly. But let me guess. In part of the experiment, you are required to calculate a change in temperature. I'm guessing you'll measure a final temperature and compare that to the initial temperature to get ΔT. In other words, a final temperature relative to an initial... initial what?? An initial pair of temperatures ? Wait, what's wrong with that...

B. Why is it necessary to measure the volumes of the liquids as accurately as possible?

What/Why do you think?