Dystan Medical Supply Company – Cold Packs and Hot Packs

Linh Dinh, Mica David, Kayla Dean, Vic Anderson

March 07, 2013
Introduction
Hot packs and cold packs are used to treat minor injuries and are good aids in the
healing process. For instance, cold packs can be use to reduce inflammation on a sprained
ankle, and hot packs can be use to reduce muscle spasm, soreness, and aches. A typical
hot or cold pack consists of water and salt, and when the two mix, a reaction forms from
the dissolved salt. The coldness or hotness of the packs depends on the concentration of
the salt. Cold packs absorb heat due to the endothermic reaction between the salt and the
water, whereas the hot packs releases heat energy due to the exothermic reaction, and the
amount of heat depends on the concentration of salt.
In this experiment, four different salts, potassium chloride, lithium chloride,
ammonium nitrate, and calcium chloride, will be tested in order to determine which salts
will be the most cost effective in producing the hot and cold packs for the company. The
company wants to determine the mass individually for each salt in order to produce 100-
mL cold pack at a temperature of 0 °C. The company also wants to determine the mass
needed to produce 100-ml hot pack at a temperature of at least 65 °C, and both the packs
can be stored at 25°C. The first part of the experiment will be to determine the
calorimeter constant by using two Styrofoam cups and a lid. A temperature probe will be
put through the hole in the lid, and two trials will be conducted to find the calorimeter
constant and averaged. Each trial will have a graph to find the stabilizing temperature
from the thermogram.
Calculations of the calorimeter constant

*C = specific heat of water = 4.184 J/g°C

qcalorimeter = − qwarm water − qcool water


 qcalorimeter = − (mwarm water × Cwarm water × ΔTwarm water) –

(mcool water × Ccool water × ΔTcool water)

qcalorimeter
Ccalorimeter = ΔTcool water

In the second part of this experiment, the team will measure the enthalpy of the
dissolution of each salt using two Styrofoam cups constructing a calorimeter. Two trials
will be performed for each salt, and the average molar heat of dissolution will be
calculated as the final molar heat for the given salt. A thermogram will be recorded and
graphed to find the stabilizing temperature of each salt. From our findings, we will be
able to conclude whether the enthalpy is exothermic or endothermic. An exothermic
reaction between a salt and water produces a hot pack because the heat released will raise
the temperature of the contents. An endothermic reaction will produce a cold pack
because the heat will be absorbed thus lower the temperature in the pack. To determine
the unit production cost, we will base it on the mass we found in out previous steps in
order to determine if the company will make a profit per pack.
Calculations for determining the ΔHdissolution of each salt

Csolution = specific heat of water = 4.184 J/g°C

qdissolution
ΔHdissolution = moles of substance dissolved

−qdissolution = -(msolution × Csolution × ΔTsolution) + (Ccalorimeter × ΔT calorimeter)

mass of substance
moles of substance = molar mass of substance

mass of solution = mwater + msalt

Experimental Procedure
1. Press the On button on the MeasureNet station.
a. Press Main Menu, then F2, Temperature, then F1, Temperature vs. Time.
b. Half fill a 150-ml beaker with ice and water. Press Calibrate calibrate the
temperature probe. When prompted, enter 0.0 °C as the actual temperature of
the constant. Press Enter. Place the temperature probe in the ice water. Stir
temperature probe until the temperature reaches near 0.0 °C. Press Enter.
c. Remove the temperature probe.

d. Press SetUp then Press F1 to set the limits for the graph. Use the arrow keys
to move from min to max. The Y-axis is for temperature, so set the min
temperature 15-18°C. Press Enter.

e. Set the max temperature 70-75°C. Press Enter.

f. The X-axis is for time. Set X axis limits from 0 seconds (min) to 250 seconds
(max). (If the experiment is completed before 250 seconds elapses, press
Stop at any time to end the experiment).

g. When steps e-g are completed, press Display to accept all values. The
MeasureNet workstation is now ready to record a thermogram.

2. Determine the Calorimeter Constant

a. Obtain two Styrofoam cups and lid to serve as a calorimeter. Nest one cup
inside the other to construct the calorimeter.
b. Add 45-50 grams of tap water to serve as the cool water. Record the exact
mass of cool water to three decimals (0.001g).
c. Obtain a magnetic stir bar and place it into the calorimeter. Secure the
temperature probe to a ring stand with a utility clamp and insert through
the hole in the calorimeter lid. Position the probe so that the tip is
approximately 1 cm from the bottom of the calorimeter.
d. Add about 60 mL of water to a clean, dry 150-mL or 250-mL beaker. Heat
the water and the beaker in a microwave for at least two minutes. Measure
the temperature of the water with a thermometer to ensure the water is 45-
 60ºC above room temperature (room temperature = 21°C). This will be the
hot water. Handle the hot water with caution. Use a towel if necessary.
e. Measure the cool and hot water to one decimal place (0.0°C). Record in
lab report.
f. Pour exactly 50.0 mL of the hot water into a graduated cylinder.
Determine the mass of the hot water, assuming the density is 1.00 g/L.
Record the mass to three significant figures (0.001g).
g. Press Start on the MeasureNet workstation to begin recording the
thermogram. Turn on the power to the magnetic stirrer to a low to medium
speed. Make sure the stir bar does not come into contact with the
temperature probe or calorimeter walls.

h. After 5-10 seconds, raise the calorimeter lid, and quickly but carefully
pour the hot water into the calorimeter. Immediately replace the lid.
i. When the temperature has risen and become stable at the final
temperature, press Stop.
j. Press File Options. Press F3 to save the thermogram. Enter a 3 digit code
when prompted. Record the file number.
k. Press Display to clear the thermogram.
l. Repeat steps a-k to record a second trial.
m. From the tab delimited files saved and emailed to partners, create plots of
temperature versus time graph using Excel. Save this part for after the lab.
n. Using the thermograms, determine the equilibrium temperature. Record in
lab report
3. Determine the molar heat of dissolution for each of the sample salts.
a. Use the same calorimeter setup in the first part of the experiment.
b. Obtain 1.000 grams each of ammonium nitrate, calcium chloride, lithium
chloride, and potassium chloride. Record the exact mass of each of the
salts to three decimal places (0.001g).
c. Obtain 25.0 mL of distilled water. Determine the mass of the distilled
water to three significant figure, assuming the density is 1.00 g/L. Record
the initial temperature of the water to one decimal place (0.0°C).
d. Add the water to the calorimeter. Press Start. Wait 5-10 seconds, raise the
calorimeter lid and add one of the salts from above. Wait for the final
temperature to stabilize. Press Stop.
e. Press File Options, then F3 to save the thermogram. Enter a 3 digit code
when prompted. Record the file number.
f. Press Display to clear the thermogram
g. Remove the temperature probe assembly from the mixture. Remove the
stir bar with a magnetic rod. Thoroughly rinse the stir bar and temperature
probe with distilled water and dry with towel.
h. Decant the mixture into the sink and thorough rinse and dry the
calorimeter.
i. Repeat steps c-h using each salt.
j. Perform a second trial, repeating steps c-i.
k. Use the thermograms to determine the ΔHdissolution for each trial and find
 the average for each salt. Determine which salt is exothermic or
endothermic.

Create a Thermogram

a. Open an Excel spreadsheet.

b. Go to File Open, open a MeasureNet tab delimited file containing 
 temperature
versus time data. Click Finish.
c. Copy the first two columns (containing time and temperature data) in the tab
delimited (text) file, and paste it into columns A (time) and B (temperature) in the
Excel worksheet. Close the tab delimited file.

d. Click on the ‘‘Chart Wizard’’ Icon.

e. Click on XY scatter plot. Click on the smooth line type.

f. Click Next. Then highlight all cells in columns A and B that contain time and
temperature data. An XY plot of the data will appear.

g. Click Next. Click Titles. Chart Title is the name of the plot. Enter a name for your
plot. The x-value box is for labeling the X axis (Time, s), and the y-value box is
for labeling the Y axis (Temperature, °C) on your plot.

h. If you wish to remove the gridlines, Click on Gridlines and click on the axes that
are checked to turn off the gridlines.

i. Click Next. You can save the plot as a separate sheet, which can then be printed.
Alternatively, you can save it as an object in the current worksheet.

j. Type/write the ΔT value on your plot.

Results

Part A: Determining Calorimeter Constant

1. What is the calorimeter constant? – Trial 1

Mass of Water Initial Temperature Final Temperature

Hot Water 50.100 g 60.10 ⁰C 32.34 ⁰C

Cold Water 48.583 g 17.62 ⁰C 32.34 ⁰C

 qcal = -((50.100 g)(4.184 J/g°C)(32.34 °C – 60.10 °C)) – ((48.583 g)(4.184
J/g°C)(32.34 °C – 17.62 °C)) = 2827 J
Ccal = (2827 J)/ (32.34 °C – 17.62 °C) = 192.00 J/°C

2. What is the calorimeter constant? – Trial 2

Mass of Water Initial Temperature Final Temperature

Hot Water 60.000 g 65.00 ⁰C 40.82 ⁰C

Cold Water 50.165 g 16.99 ⁰C 40.82 ⁰C

qcal = -((60.000 g)(4.184 J/g°C)(40.82 °C – 65.00 °C)) – ((50.165 g)(4.184

J/g°C)(40.82 °C – 16.99 °C)) = 1068 J

Ccal = (1068 J)/ (40.82 °C – 16.99 °C) = 44.80 J/°C

3. What is the average calorimeter constant?

192.00 J/°C + 44.80 J/°C

= 118. 4 J/°C
2

Part B: Determining Molar Heat of Dissolution of each Salt

 Substance Mass Mass of Water Initial Final Temperature
Temperature

Trial 1 Ammonium Nitrate 1.345 g 25.000 g 18.85 ⁰C 16.06 ⁰C

Trial 2 1.070 g 25.035 g 19.59 ⁰C 16.81 ⁰C

Trial 1 Potassium Chloride 1.378 g 23.389 g 20.19 ⁰C 14.58 ⁰C

Trial 2 1.023 g 25.026 g 18.71 ⁰C 16.46 ⁰C

Trial 1 Lithium Chloride 1.061 g 22.583 g 19.09 ⁰C 35.22 ⁰C

Trial 2 1.034 g 25.030 g 18.72 ⁰C 25.94 ⁰C

Trial 1 Calcium Chloride 1.031 g 25.000 g 18.78 ⁰C 23.31 ⁰C

Trial 2 1.030 g 25.018 g 18.51 ⁰C 23.69 ⁰C

1. Determine the molar heat of the reaction of each salt. – Trial 1

Ammonium Nitrate: 𝑁𝐻4 𝑁𝑂3(𝑠) + ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 → 𝑁𝐻4+(𝑎𝑞) + 𝑁𝑂3−(𝑎𝑞)
Mass solution = 25.000 g + 1.345 g = 26.345 g
−qdissolution = -((26.345 g)(4.184 J/g°C)(16.06°C – 18.85°C)) + ((118.4 J/°C)(16.06°C–
18.85°C)) = - 22.80 J
1.345 𝑔
Moles 𝑁𝐻4 𝑁𝑂3(𝑠) = 80.02 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙 = 0.01680 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑁𝐻4 𝑁𝑂3(𝑠)
22.80 J 1 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑁𝐻4 𝑁𝑂3(𝑠) 1 𝑘𝐽 1.360 𝑘𝐽
ΔHdissolution = 0.01680 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑁𝐻 × × 1000 𝐽 =
4 𝑁𝑂3(𝑠) 1 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

+ −
Potassium Chloride: 𝐾𝐶𝑙(𝑠) + ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 → 𝐾(𝑎𝑞) + 𝐶𝑙(𝑎𝑞)
Mass solution = 23.389 g + 1.378 g = 24.767 g
−qdissolution = -((24.767 g)(4.184 J/g°C)(14.46°C-20.19°C))+((118.4 J/°C)( 14.46°C-
20.19°C)) = -84.66 J
1.378 𝑔
Moles 𝐾𝐶𝑙(𝑠) = 74.55 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙 = 0.01850 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝐾𝐶𝑙(𝑠)
−84.66 J 1 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝐾𝐶𝑙(𝑠) 1 𝑘𝐽 4.580 𝑘𝐽
ΔHdissolution = 0.01850 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝐾𝐶𝑙 × 1 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 × 1000 𝐽 =
(𝑠) 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

+ −
Lithium Chloride: 𝐿𝑖𝐶𝑙(𝑠) + ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 → 𝐿𝑖(𝑎𝑞) + 𝐶𝑙(𝑎𝑞)
Mass solution = 22.583 g + 1.061 g = 23.644 g
−qdissolution = -((23.644 g)( 4.184 J/g°C)(35.22°C-19.09 ⁰C))+((118.4 J/°C)(35.22°C-19.09
⁰C)) = 314.1 J
1.061 𝑔
Moles 𝐿𝑖𝐶𝑙(𝑠) = 42.394 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙 = 0.02500 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝐿𝑖𝐶𝑙(𝑠)
−314.1 J 1 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝐿𝑖𝐶𝑙(𝑠) 1 𝑘𝐽 −12.56 𝑘𝐽
ΔHdissolution = 0.02500 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝐿𝑖𝐶𝑙 × 1 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 × 1000 𝐽 =
(𝑠) 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
 2+ −
Calcium Chloride: 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑙2 (𝑠) + ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 → 𝐶𝑎(𝑎𝑞) + 2𝐶𝑙(𝑎𝑞)
Mass solution = 25.000 g + 1.031 g = 26.031 g
−qdissolution = -((26.031 g)( 4.184 J/g°C)(23.31°C-18.78⁰C))+((118.4 J/°C)(23.31°C-
18.78⁰C)) = 42.97 J
1.031 𝑔
Moles 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑙2 (𝑠) = 110.99 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙 = 0.009290 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑙2 (𝑠)
−42.97 J 1 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑙2 (𝑠) 1 𝑘𝐽 −4.626 𝑘𝐽
ΔHdissolution = 0.009290 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑙 × × 1000 𝐽 =
2 (𝑠) 1 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

2. Determine the molar heat of the reaction of each salt. – Trial 2

Ammonium Nitrate: 𝑁𝐻4 𝑁𝑂3(𝑠) + ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 → 𝑁𝐻4+(𝑎𝑞) + 𝑁𝑂3−(𝑎𝑞)
Mass solution = 25.035 g + 1.070 g = 26.105 g
−qdissolution = -((26.105 g)(4.184 J/g°C)(16.81 ⁰C – 19.59 ⁰C)) + ((118.4 J/°C)( 16.81 ⁰C –
19.59 ⁰C = -25.51 J
1.070 𝑔
Moles 𝑁𝐻4 𝑁𝑂3(𝑠) = 80.02 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙 = 0.01337 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑁𝐻4 𝑁𝑂3(𝑠)
25.51 J 1 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑁𝐻4 𝑁𝑂3(𝑠) 1 𝑘𝐽 1.908 𝑘𝐽
ΔHdissolution = 0.01337 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑁𝐻 × × 1000 𝐽 =
4 𝑁𝑂3(𝑠) 1 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

+ −
Potassium Chloride: 𝐾𝐶𝑙(𝑠) + ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 → 𝐾(𝑎𝑞) + 𝐶𝑙(𝑎𝑞)
Mass solution = 25.026 g + 1.023 g = 26.049 g
−qdissolution = -((24.767g)(4.184 J/g°C)(18.71 ⁰C -20.19°C))+((118.4 J/°C)( 18.71 ⁰C -
20.19°C)) = -21.87 J
1.023 𝑔
Moles 𝐾𝐶𝑙(𝑠) = 74.55 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙 = 0.01372 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝐾𝐶𝑙(𝑠)
−21.87 J 1 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝐾𝐶𝑙(𝑠) 1 𝑘𝐽 1.594 𝑘𝐽
ΔHdissolution = 0.01372 × 1 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 × 1000 𝐽 =
𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝐾𝐶𝑙(𝑠) 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

+ −
Lithium Chloride: 𝐿𝑖𝐶𝑙(𝑠) + ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 → 𝐿𝑖(𝑎𝑞) + 𝐶𝑙(𝑎𝑞)
Mass solution = 25.030 g + 1.034 g = 26.064 g
−qdissolution = -((26.064 g)( 4.184 J/g°C)(25.94°C-18.72 ⁰C))+((118.4 J/°C)(25.94°C-18.72
⁰C)) = 67.49 J
1.034 𝑔
Moles 𝐿𝑖𝐶𝑙(𝑠) = 42.394 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙 = 0.02439 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝐿𝑖𝐶𝑙(𝑠)
−67.49 J 1 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝐿𝑖𝐶𝑙(𝑠) 1 𝑘𝐽 −2.767 𝑘𝐽
ΔHdissolution = 0.02439 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝐿𝑖𝐶𝑙 × 1 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 × 1000 𝐽 =
(𝑠) 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

2+ −
Calcium Chloride: 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑙2 (𝑠) + ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 → 𝐶𝑎(𝑎𝑞) + 2𝐶𝑙(𝑎𝑞)
Mass solution = 25.018 g + 1.030 g = 26.048 g
−qdissolution = -((26.048 g)( 4.184 J/g°C)(23.69°C-18.51⁰C))+((118.4 J/°C)(23.69°C-
18.51⁰C)) = 48.77 J
1.030 𝑔
Moles 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑙2 (𝑠) = 110.99 𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙 = 0.009290 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑙2 (𝑠)
−48.77 J 1 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑙2 (𝑠) 1 𝑘𝐽 −5.250 𝑘𝐽
ΔHdissolution = 0.009290 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑙 × × 1000 𝐽 =
2 (𝑠) 1 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
 3. What is the average ΔHdissolution for each salt? Which salt is exothermic and
endothermic?
Ammonium Nitrate
1.360 𝑘𝐽 + 1.908 𝑘𝐽
= 1.634 𝑘𝐽/𝑚𝑜𝑙
2

ΔHdissolution: 1.634 𝑘𝐽/𝑚𝑜𝑙 Endothermic

Potassium Chloride
4.580 𝑘𝐽 + 1.594 𝑘𝐽
= 3.087 𝑘𝐽/𝑚𝑜𝑙
2

ΔHdissolution: 3.087 𝑘𝐽/𝑚𝑜𝑙 Endothermic

Lithium Chloride
−12.56 𝑘𝐽 + −2.767 𝑘𝐽
= −7.664 𝑘𝐽/𝑚𝑜𝑙
2

ΔHdissolution: −7.664 𝑘𝐽/mol Exothermic

Calcium Chloride
−4.626 𝑘𝐽 + −5.250 𝑘𝐽
= −4.938 𝑘𝐽/𝑚𝑜𝑙
2

ΔHdissolution: −4.938 𝑘𝐽/mol Exothermic

Part 3: Determining the Price of the Salts
1. mass of salt/ (volume of water* change in temperature) = mass of salt g/mL°C
2. (mass of salt g/mL°C)(100mL)(25 °C- 0.0 °C) = mass of salt per bag
3. solve for price per bag: $$/500g = $$ per bag/mass of salt per bag
4. $$ per bag + $1.28(cost of labor) = price per bag total
Ammonium Nitrate
1.208 𝑔 𝑔
= 0.0174
25,02 𝑚𝑙 × 2.77°C 𝑚𝑙 °C
𝑔
0.0174 × 100 𝑚𝑙 × 25°C = 43.6 g
𝑚𝑙 °C
$26.20
× 43.6 𝑔 = $2.28
500 𝑔
$2.28 + $1.28 = $3.56

Potassium Chloride
1.201 𝑔 𝑔
= 0.0126
24.21 𝑚𝑙 × 3.93°C 𝑚𝑙 °C
𝑔
0.0126 × 100 𝑚𝑙 × 25°C = 31.56 g
𝑚𝑙 °C
$28.19
× 31.56 𝑔 = $1.78
500 𝑔
$1.78 + $1.28 = $3.06

Lithium Chloride
 1.048 𝑔 𝑔
= 0.00377
23.81 𝑚𝑙 × 11.68°C 𝑚𝑙 °C
𝑔
0.00377 × 100 𝑚𝑙 × 25°C = 9.421 g
𝑚𝑙 °C
$65.00
× 9.421 g = $1.22
500 𝑔
$1.22 + $1.28 = $2.50

Calcium Chloride
1.031 𝑔 𝑔
= 0.00848
25,01 𝑚𝑙 × 4.86°C 𝑚𝑙 °C
𝑔
0.00848 × 100 𝑚𝑙 × 25°C = 21.215 g
𝑚𝑙 °C
$31.70
× 21.215 g = $1.34
500 𝑔
$1.34 + $1.28 = $2.62
Ammonium Potassium Lithium Calcium
Nitrate Chloride Chloride Chloride
Price per bag $3.56 $3.06 $2.50 $2.62
1. Which salt is the most efficient? Why?
For the heating packs, LiCl is the best choice. It will yield the desired results at a cost
of $2.50 per bag opposed to $2.62 per bag using CaCl2. Both salts will give the desired
exothermic reaction, but LiCl is easier to produce.
For the cooling packs, KCl is the best choice. The cost of production for one bag is
$3.06; one bag using ammonium nitrate is $3.56. Both salts react in endothermic
reactions, creating a cooling effect, but KCl will give the same result for a lower cost.
Discussion:
The experimental results are used to determine which salts were the most suitable
to be used in either a hot or cold pack. Lithium Chloride and Potassium Chloride were
found to be the most effective due to the lower change in enthalpy. The results of our
trials were accurate and precise, although the second trial in determining the calorimeter
constant differed greatly from the first. This may have been due to a number of factors,
such as excess water present in the calorimeter before beginning the second trial or
incorrect temperature and mass measurements. These errors can be corrected by
thoroughly drying the Styrofoam cups used for the calorimeter before beginning the
second trial. Also, the temperature of the hot water should be taken after measuring 50mL
to be poured into the calorimeter. When calculating the heat of dissolution, if the entire
measured mass of salt is not added to the solution, then the calculated heat of reaction
will be different from the actual value.

Bibliography
Stanton, B. ; Zhu, L. ; Atwood, C. H. Experiments in General Chemistry featuring
MeasureNet, 2nd ed.; Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning: Belmont, 2006; p 243-251, p 395-
399