What is the Total Heat Capacity of the Calorimeter?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the total heat capacity of a calorimeter based on a specific heat transfer scenario involving two bodies of water at different temperatures. Participants are examining the heat exchange between the hot and cold water, as well as the calorimeter itself, to identify errors in the initial calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • The initial calculation of heat absorbed by the calorimeter is questioned, particularly the method of summing the heat from both water bodies.
  • One participant suggests using the equation ΔQ(hot) = ΔQ(calorimeter) + ΔQ(cold) to properly account for heat transfer.
  • Another participant acknowledges a mistake in their calculations, indicating that they initially added heat values instead of considering the correct signs for heat transfer.
  • There is a request for detailed work to clarify the calculations and identify errors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the correct approach to the problem, with multiple viewpoints on how to account for heat transfer and errors in calculations remaining unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the correct application of heat transfer principles and the proper setup of equations, indicating potential misunderstandings of the calorimetry process.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students studying thermodynamics, particularly those working on calorimetry problems and heat transfer calculations.

gogeta2006
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Homework Statement



50ml of water at 49.6 C were mixed with 50ml of water at 25.1 C in a calorimeter also at 25.1 C. The final temperature was 30.1 C Assuming that neither the density of water nor its specific heat capacity change with temperature, calculate the total heat capacity of the calorimeter.


Homework Equations



Density of water = 1.00 g/mL
Specific heat capacity = 4.18 J / g * K

The Attempt at a Solution



q (heat given up by water) = 50ml * (49.6-30.1)
= 840 cal

q (heat absorbed by cold water) = 50ml (30.1-25.1)
= 250 cal

Heat absorbed by calorimeter = 250 + 840 = 1090 cal

Ccal = qcal / delta T
= 590 / (30.1-25.1)
= 118 K

The answer is supposed to be 493.24 J/K ... but i am not getting that.
Please someone please show me how to correct this.

Thank you.
 
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Heat absorbed by calorimeter = 250 + 840 = 1090 cal
Woah!

Heat is lost from the hot water to the calorimeter AND the cold water. One cannot at the heat of the hot and cold water.

Try ΔQ(hot) = ΔQ(calorimeter) + ΔQ(cold)
 
Astronuc said:
Woah!

Heat is lost from the hot water to the calorimeter AND the cold water. One cannot at the heat of the hot and cold water.

Try ΔQ(hot) = ΔQ(calorimeter) + ΔQ(cold)

I tried doing that and the answer is 118 (which is still INCORRECT)...i wrote plus there where it should be minus.
 
Last edited:
Show your detailed work then.
 

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