Temperature Changes

This practical lesson covers:

  1. The variables that affect the temperature change in chemical reactions

Investigating temperature changes during chemical reactions


Aim

The aim of this practical is to investigate the variables that affect the temperature change in chemical reactions. 

Background information

When an acid reacts with an alkali, a neutralisation reaction occurs. These reactions are exothermic, meaning they release heat energy to the surroundings, causing an increase in temperature. In this practical, you will add different quantities of sodium hydroxide to hydrochloric acid and measure the temperature changes that occur, demonstrating the exothermic nature of neutralisation reactions.

What is the purpose of this practical?

to determine the atomic number of carbon

to measure the volume of dilute hydrochloric acid

to investigate the variables that affect the temperature change in chemical reactions

to calculate the molar mass of sodium hydroxide

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What is the purpose of adding sodium hydroxide solution?

to decrease the temperature of the acid

to neutralise the acid

to increase the temperature of the acid

to measure the pH of the acid

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What is the purpose of placing the cup inside the beaker?

to prevent the cup from tipping over

to measure the volume of the acid

to increase the temperature of the acid

to create a closed system

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What is the role of the thermometer in this practical?

To determine the atomic number of sodium

To measure the volume of the acid

To neutralise the acid

To observe the temperature change

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What is the purpose of the polystyrene cup and lid?

to prevent heat loss to the surroundings

to increase the temperature of the acid

to decrease the temperature of the acid

to measure the pH of the acid

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