4.1.

2
Specific Heat Capacity and Calorimetry

Temperature is a measure of hotness or coldness. The amount of heat

energy is not the same as the temperature. Temperature and heat
energy are related by the concept of specific heat capacity, which is
unique to each substance.

The specific heat capacity (Jkg-1K-1) of a substance is the amount of heat

required to raise 1kg of a substance by one Kelvin (the same size as a
Celsius degree).

Calorimetry is the process where the heat absorbed or released during

a chemical process is used to cause a temperature change in water.
Water is an ideal choice for this process as it has a very high specific
heat capacity (4.18 x 103 Jkg-1K-1), requiring quite significant energy
changes to cause a change in temperature. Calorimetry is conducted so
as to keep the temperature of the water well short of its boiling point
to maintain validity of results.

A major assumption in all calorimetry is that all of the chemical energy

stored in bonds is released during reaction and is then absorbed by the
water; well-designed calorimetry experiments allow the reaction to
proceed to completion and minimise loss of heat to the surroundings.
The amount of heat energy absorbed or lost by the water can be
calculated:

q = mC∆T

Where:
q = amount of heat energy absorbed or lost by substance (J)
m = mass of substance (kg)
C = specific heat capacity of substance (Jkg-1K-1)
∆T = change in temperature of substance (K)
= final temp – initial temp = Tf – Ti

The efficiency of a calorimetry experiment can be calculated by

comparing theoretical data for the process and experimental data for
the process:

Efficiency = Experimental energy change x 100

Theoretical energy change

Questions:
1. Calculate the quantity of heat needed to raise the temperature of:
a. 52g of water from 22.1°C to 43.6°C
b. 150 mL water by 28°C
c. 5.8 g aluminium from 20°C to 75°C (C = 0.90 J/g/K)