Calculating the Amount of Heat Produced

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 37 views

Introduction

Hexane, a highly flammable liquid, is a common solvent used in various industrial applications. In this article, we will explore the combustion of hexane in a bomb calorimeter and calculate the amount of heat produced during the reaction. This process involves understanding the principles of calorimetry and applying the concept of specific heat capacity.

Understanding Calorimetry

Calorimetry is the measurement of the amount of heat energy transferred during a chemical reaction. In a bomb calorimeter, the reaction is carried out in a sealed container, and the heat produced is measured by the change in temperature of the surrounding water. The specific heat capacity of the water is a critical parameter in this process, as it determines the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of the water by a given amount.

Calculating the Amount of Heat Produced

To calculate the amount of heat produced during the combustion of hexane, we need to follow these steps:

Determine the mass of the bomb calorimeter: The mass of the bomb calorimeter is given as 1.900 kg.
Determine the specific heat capacity of the bomb calorimeter: The specific heat capacity of the bomb calorimeter is given as 3.21 J/g·K.
Determine the mass of the hexane sample: The mass of the hexane sample is given as 0.580 g.
Determine the temperature change: The temperature change is not given, but we can assume it to be ΔT = 25°C (or 25 K).
Calculate the amount of heat produced: Using the formula Q = mcΔT, where Q is the amount of heat produced, m is the mass of the bomb calorimeter, c is the specific heat capacity of the bomb calorimeter, and ΔT is the temperature change.

Calculations

Let's perform the calculations:

Convert the mass of the bomb calorimeter from kg to g: 1.900 kg = 1900 g
Calculate the amount of heat produced: Q = mcΔT = (1900 g)(3.21 J/g·K)(25 K) = 151,025 J

Conclusion

In this article, we have calculated the amount of heat produced during the combustion of a sample of hexane in a bomb calorimeter. The calculations involved determining the mass of the bomb calorimeter, the specific heat capacity of the bomb calorimeter, the mass of the hexane sample, and the temperature change. The amount of heat produced was calculated using the formula Q = mcΔT.

References

CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th ed. (2016)
Calorimetry: Principles and Applications, 2nd ed. (2013)

Q: What is a bomb calorimeter?

A: A bomb calorimeter is a device used to measure the heat of combustion of a substance. It consists of a sealed container, called a bomb, where the reaction takes place, and a surrounding water bath that measures the temperature change.

Q: How does a bomb calorimeter work?

A: The bomb calorimeter works by sealing the sample and a known amount of oxygen in the bomb, and then igniting the sample. The heat produced by the reaction is absorbed by the surrounding water, causing a temperature change. The temperature change is then measured, and the heat of combustion is calculated using the specific heat capacity of the water.

Q: What is the specific heat capacity of the bomb calorimeter?

A: The specific heat capacity of the bomb calorimeter is 3.21 J/g·K. This value is used to calculate the heat of combustion of the sample.

Q: How is the mass of the bomb calorimeter determined?

A: The mass of the bomb calorimeter is determined by measuring its weight using a balance or a scale.

Q: What is the significance of the temperature change in a bomb calorimeter?

A: The temperature change is a critical parameter in a bomb calorimeter, as it determines the amount of heat energy transferred during the reaction. A larger temperature change indicates a greater amount of heat energy transferred.

Q: Can a bomb calorimeter be used to measure the heat of combustion of any substance?

A: No, a bomb calorimeter can only be used to measure the heat of combustion of substances that can be ignited in a sealed container. Substances that are highly reactive or produce toxic gases should not be measured using a bomb calorimeter.

Q: What are some common applications of bomb calorimetry?

A: Bomb calorimetry is commonly used in:

Fuel research: To measure the heat of combustion of fuels, such as gasoline or diesel.
Food science: To measure the energy content of foods.
Pharmaceutical research: To measure the heat of combustion of pharmaceuticals.
Environmental science: To measure the heat of combustion of pollutants.

Q: What are some limitations of bomb calorimetry?

A: Some limitations of bomb calorimetry include:

Limited sample size: The sample size is limited to a few grams.
Limited temperature range: The temperature range is limited to a few hundred degrees Celsius.
Limited accuracy: The accuracy of the measurement is limited by the precision of the thermometer and the specific heat capacity of the water.

Q: Can bomb calorimetry be used to measure the heat of combustion of a mixture of substances?

A: Yes, bomb calorimetry can be used to measure the heat of combustion of a mixture of substances. However, the mixture must be homogeneous and the substances must be compatible with each other.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using a bomb calorimeter?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when using a bomb calorimeter include:

Incorrect calibration: Failing to calibrate the thermometer or the specific heat capacity of the water.
Incorrect sample size: Using a sample size that is too large or too small.
Incorrect temperature measurement: Failing to measure the temperature accurately.
Incorrect calculation: Failing to calculate the heat of combustion correctly.