Measuring and Calculating Energy Changes
To measure enthalpy changes experimentally, you'll use a simple calorimeter setup with a polystyrene cup, thermometer, and insulating lid. The key is minimising heat loss to get accurate results.
The essential equation is q = mcฮT, where q is heat energy, m is mass of solution, c is specific heat capacity 4.2J/gยฐCforwater, and ฮT is temperature change. Then calculate ฮH = q รท moles.
For enthalpy of combustion experiments, you burn a fuel to heat water and measure the temperature rise. Improve accuracy by using heat shields, reducing distances between burner and beaker, and covering everything to prevent heat loss.
Watch Out: Your experimental values will often be lower than theoretical ones because heat gets lost to the equipment and surroundings - this is completely normal!