Energy & Energetics

Aim: To measure the enthalpy change [ΔH] for the reaction a neutralization reaction between aqueous
sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid.
Skills being assessed: MM/AI

Materials:
 Burette
 Plastic calorimeter
 Thermometer
 Aqueous sodium hydroxide
 Aqueous hydrochloric acid

Procedure:
1. Run exactly 25cm3 of the hydrochloric acid from a burette into a plastic calorimeter, stir and
record the steady temperature of the room (θ 1).
2. Run exactly 25cm3 of the sodium hydroxide from a second burette into a plastic calorimeter, stir
and set aside to allow to reach room temperature (θ 1).
3. Add the sodium hydroxide to the hydrochloric acid in the plastic cup, all at once.
4. Stir and note the maximum temperature reached (θ 2).
5. Calculate the temperature change: Δθ = θ2 – θ1.
6. Calculate the quantity of heat released on mixing the sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid.

Criteria: MM
1. Measure liquids accurately, reading meniscus at eye level.
2. Take accurate readings of volume.
3. Take readings at correct time.
4. The thermometer -Immerse bulb completely & ensure bulb is not in contact with container.
5. Immerse bulb long enough to ensure accurate detection of temperature of liquid.

Criteria: AI
1. Explain observation fully
2. Uses background knowledge
3. Identify and state limitations
4. Calculate the change in temperature and enthalpy
5. Identify the reaction as endothermic or exothermic.
Total: 10 converted to an11-point scale [0-10]