Figuring Out Enthalpy Changes in High School Chemistry Labs

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on identifying suitable chemical reactions for measuring enthalpy changes in high school chemistry labs. Participants suggest reactions such as magnesium with hydrochloric acid (Mg + HCl) and sodium hydroxide with hydrochloric acid (NaOH + HCl), both of which are viable but considered last resorts. The discussion also highlights the potential of using sulfuric acid with sugar as an engaging reaction that produces significant heat, categorized as a dehydration/hydration reaction. Neutralization reactions are recommended for their measurable heat changes and accessible reactant concentrations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of chemical reactions and enthalpy changes
  • Familiarity with calorimetry techniques
  • Knowledge of neutralization reactions
  • Experience with common laboratory chemicals such as HCl and NaOH
NEXT STEPS
  • Research calorimetry experiments for measuring enthalpy changes
  • Explore the concept of dehydration/hydration reactions in chemistry
  • Investigate the heat changes associated with neutralization reactions
  • Learn about the safety protocols for handling sulfuric acid in experiments
USEFUL FOR

High school chemistry students, educators designing lab experiments, and anyone interested in practical applications of thermochemistry.

soggybread
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Well, my chemistry teacher is extremely confusing, and wants us to create our own lab where we figure out the enthalpy changes in a chemical reaction. Is there are reaction out there that would give a considerable change in temperature, while using chemicals typically found in a high school? As an aside, he also gave us an option to

Here's what I've come up with so far... it would be great if I could get some feedback on these reactions.

1. Mg_ (s) + HCl_ (aq)

(Last resort, because my teacher recommends a double displacement reaction)

2. NaOH_ (aq)+ HCl_ (aq)

(Another last resort, because my teacher recommends a double displacement reaction)

3. CuSO_4_(aq) + 2NaCl_ (aq)

(I have no idea if there's going to be any heat change from this)
Any help on this would be fantastic and very much appreciated!

Thanks,

soggybread
 
Last edited:
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You can perform a simple calorimetry experiment, have you been exposed to this concept so far?
 
sulfuric acid to sugar is really fun... is that a double replacement... I'd have to think... but it does let off a lot of heat... and the charred black mess is awesome.

Edit: they are calling it a "DEHYDRATION/HYDRATION" reaction:
http://chemlearn.chem.indiana.edu/demos/TheDehyd.htm
 
Last edited:
Neutralization should be OK - enough heat to measure and concentrations of reactants easy to check.
 

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