Title: Determining the heat of neutralization

Aim: To measure the enthalpy change for the reaction between 2M aqueous sodium hydroxide

and 2M hydrochloric acid.

Apparatus: calorimeter (styrofoam cup), thermometer, measuring cylinder

Materials: aqueous sodium hydroxide, aqueous hydrochloric acid,

Method (Always write in past tense): A measuring cylinder was used to measure 50 cm3 of

aqueous hydrochloric acid and it was poured into a dry calorimeter. A thermometer was used to

measure and record the temperature, (Th), of the acid. Using a clean measuring cylinder, 50cm3

of the aqueous sodium hydroxide was measured. The temperature, (Ts), of the alkali was

measured and recorded. The sodium hydroxide solution was poured into the calorimeter and

stirred with the thermometer whilst the temperature change was observed and recorded. The

maximum temperature, (Tf), reached by the reaction was then recorded.

Observations:

Initial Temperature Final Temperature Temp Change

Aqueous Sodium Aqueous Hydrochloric NaOH + HCl

Hydroxide Acid

Calculations:

1. Write a balance equation in the reaction, including correct state symbols.

2. Determine the number of moles of sodium hydroxide.
3. Determine the number of moles of hydrochloric acid.
 4. State any relevant mole ratios
5. Determine the number of moles of water formed by the reaction.
6. Determine the total volume and mass of solution.
7. Determine the temperature change.
8. Determine the heat of neutralization

Discussion (Always in present tense):

1. Define heat of neutralization.

2. State any assumptions that were made during the reaction
3. Did the heat of reaction increase or decrease? State why.
4. State the enthalpy change for this reaction.
5. Determine if this reaction is exothermic or endothermic.
6. Draw the energy profile associated with this reaction. Label appropriately.
7. State one source of error that may have occurred during this experiment.

Conclusion: The enthalpy change of the reaction between 2M aqueous sodium hydroxide and
2M aqueous hydrochloric acid is …. This reaction is an exothermic reaction.