University of Santo Tomas CHE 2112L:

Faculty of Engineering PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY FOR ENGINEERS 2

Department of Chemical Engineering LABORATORY
Individual Written Report
Date Performed: November 26, 2022
Name: Jann Vherwel R. Galicia
Date Submitted: December 2, 2022
Instructor: Engr. Mario Jose R. Sumalinog II
Section: 3 ChE B Group No: 3
Engr. Edsel B. Calica

Experiment No. 6: DETERMINATION OF ENTHALPIES OF DISSOLUTION

OF SALTS BY CALORIMETRY

I. INTRODUCTION
Calorimetry is a method for estimating reaction temperatures. The heat from a reaction elevates a
solution's temperature [1]. The quantity of heat produced in a reaction may be measured by measuring the
temperature change and connecting it to the heat capacity. The reaction is carried out by an insulated
equipment known as a "calorimeter." The calorimeter in this experiment is a pair of nested Styrofoam cups
with loose-fitting lids, popularly known as a coffee cup calorimeter. A coffee cup calorimeter is a constant
pressure calorimeter. The two are comparable since the change in enthalpy equals the heat detected by
such device. A coffee cup calorimeter is commonly used in solution-based chemistry, which includes a
reaction with little to no volume change [2]. We require a total of five calorimeters, one for determining the
water equivalent and the others for the various salts.
The experiment must move on by calculating the water equivalent (W) of the calorimeter using the
unit of grams. The mass of water that gains or loses heat for the same change in temperature as the
substance in a calorimeter is known as its water equivalent [3]. The equation for the water equivalent is
shown in Eq. 1 where m1 is the mass of hot water, m2 is the mass of cold water, t1 is the temperature of the
hot water, t2 is the temperature of the cold water, and t3 is the temperature after mixing.
(𝑡2 − 𝑡3 )
𝑊 = 𝑚1 − 𝑚2 Eq. 1
(𝑡3 − 𝑡1 )
In determining the enthalpies of dissolution, Eq. 2 will be used where W is the water equivalent, m1
is the mass of water, m2 is the molar mass of salt, t1 is the initial temperature of water, t2 is the final
temperature of the solution, c is the specific heat capacity of water, and w is the mass of the salt mixed.
𝐽
The unit of enthalpy of dissolution (E) is in 𝑚𝑜𝑙.

(𝑊 + 𝑚1 )(𝑡1 − 𝑡2 )(𝑐)(𝑚2 ) Eq. 2

𝐸=
𝑤
The goal of this lab is to detect the heat transferred during aqueous reactions using a coffee-cup
colorimeter.

II. METHODOLOGY
5 grams of Ammonium Chloride (NH4Cl), 4.5 grams of Potassium Chloride (KCl), 4.5 grams of
Potassium Nitrite (KNO2), and 6 grams of Copper (II) Sulphate Pentahydrate (CuSO4۰5H2O) were

collected, prepared, and measured. 50 mL of distilled water were placed in a beaker and heated on a hot
plate; the temperature of the hot water was measured. The temperature of 250 mL of distilled cold water
was measured in a beaker. The coffee cup calorimeter was created as described in figure 1 to determine
Experiment 6: DETERMINATION OF ENTHALPIES OF DISSOLUTION OF SALTS BY CALORIMETRY

the calorimeter’s water equivalent. In the calorimeter, 50 mL of cold water is poured first, followed by 50
mL of hot water. When the temperature becomes steady, it is measured.

Coffee cup
calorimeter

Thermometer

Figure 1. Setup in determining the water equivalent of the calorimeter.

In determining the enthalpy of dissolution, another calorimeter was prepared for the first salt sample
which is Ammonium Chloride (NH4Cl). 50 mL of cold water is poured into the calorimeter followed by
Ammonium Chloride (NH4Cl). The solution was stirred until the temperature becomes steady and is
measured as shown in Figure 2. The steps in determining the enthalpy of dissolution were repeated but
will differ in salt samples. The next samples are 4.5 grams of Potassium Chloride (KCl), 4.5 grams of
Potassium Nitrite (KNO2), and 6 grams of Copper (II) Sulphate Pentahydrate (CuSO4۰5H2O).

Figure 2. Setup in determining the enthalpy of dissolution of Ammonium Chloride.

III. RESULTS
Table 1. Shows the temperature of water before and after mixing.
Temperature before mixing (°C) Temperature after mixing (°C)
Hot water 52
37.5
Cold water 26

a) Water equivalent calculation using eq. 1.

1𝑔 52 °𝐶 − 37.5 °𝐶 1𝑔
𝑊 = (( ) (50 𝑚𝐿) ( )) − ( ) (50 𝑚𝐿)
𝑚𝐿 37.5 °𝐶 − 26 °𝐶 𝑚𝐿

𝑊 = 13.0435 𝑔

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Experiment 6: DETERMINATION OF ENTHALPIES OF DISSOLUTION OF SALTS BY CALORIMETRY

Table 2. Shows the temperature of the solution before and after mixing and the enthalpy of dissolution.
Solution T1 (°C) T2 (°C) Enthalpy (J/mol)

Ammonium Chloride 26.00 21.60 12463.64

Potassium Chloride 26.00 21.70 18862.24

Potassium Nitrite 26.00 20.20 29043.91

Copper (II) Sulphate
26.00 25.00 11018.49
Pentahydrate

b) Enthalpy of dissolution calculation of Ammonium Chloride using eq. 2.

𝐽 𝑔
(13.0435𝑔 + 50𝑔)(26 °𝐶 − 21.6 °𝐶)(4.2 𝑔°𝐶 )(53.49 )
𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝐸=
5𝑔
𝐽
𝐸 = 12463.63943
𝑚𝑜𝑙

IV. DISCUSSION
All the computed enthalpies of dissolution are positive, meaning that the system undergoes
endothermic process. More energy is absorbed or used by the process than is released. We can also notice
that the greater the temperature drop of the reaction, the more positive its enthalpy of dissolution will be.
Potassium Nitrite (KNO2) is an ionic salt of potassium ions K+ and nitrite ions NO2-, resulting in a white or
slightly yellow, hygroscopic crystalline powder that is water soluble. Although potassium chloride (KCl) is
soluble in many polar solvents, including water, it is less soluble in water than potassium nitrite, which has
a greater enthalpy of dissolution. Generally, nitrates have the highest enthalpy of solution between the
salts. Copper (II) Sulphate Pentahydrate (CuSO4۰5H2O) is already hydrated causing it to have lesser
enthalpy of dissolution.
There are attraction interactions between the solute particles that must be broken during the
dissolving of a solute in a solvent, as well as attractive forces between the solvent molecules. Intermolecular
forces between the solute and the solvent are necessary for the formation of a solution. Only when the
attractive forces between the solute molecules and the solvent molecules are equal in intensity and type to
the intermolecular interactions between the solute and the solvent will a solution develop. Only if the solute
particles "like" the solvent particles as much as or more than they "like" the other solute particles would
they associate with each other.

V. ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
1. What are the characteristics of a calorimeter? What is a good substitute for the used calorimeter in
the experiment?
- A calorimeter is a machine that calculates how much heat is generated during a chemical or
physical process. A coffee cup calorimeter that measures heat at a constant pressure was

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Experiment 6: DETERMINATION OF ENTHALPIES OF DISSOLUTION OF SALTS BY CALORIMETRY

utilized in the experiment. Since enthalpy changes when heat does, the heat detected by
such a device is equivalent to the enthalpy change. In solution-based chemistry, a coffee cup
calorimeter is frequently employed, and as a result, the reaction usually requires little to no
volume change. As a result, even if the heat in this instance exactly equals the change in
enthalpy, it will also roughly equal the change in internal energy since the work will be little.
Since researching reactions like a combustion reaction is not something that constant-
pressure calorimeters are particularly good at. A constant-volume calorimeter, such as the
coffee-cup and bomb calorimeter, which are instruments used to measure energy changes
in chemical processes, is therefore used to measure the enthalpy changes that precede
combustion reactions [4]. The bomb calorimeter is more precise and has fewer margins for
mistake. As opposed to a coffee cup calorimeter's analogue glass tube thermometer, some
bomb calorimeters employ digital temperature sensors. It is quicker and omits environmental
factors that might not have been taken into account. Additionally, it provides the energy
content of the material being burned, saving you the time and effort of having to calculate it
[5].

2. Define thermo insulators and where are these commonly used?

- Thermal insulation prevents heat from moving from one substance to another when they are
in thermal contact. The thermal conductivity of insulation serves as a measurement. Thermal
insulation is accomplished using low thermally conductive materials. Density and heat
capacity are additional crucial characteristics of insulating materials in addition to thermal
conductivity [6]. The building industry uses thermal insulation to lessen heat gain or loss via
the home envelope while constructing exterior walls, windows, roofs, and foundations. By
maintaining a comfortable temperature within the homes, thermal insulation produces
thermal comfort. Additionally, it builds a wall between the warm air within the home and the
cold air outside, and the opposite is also true. The more effective this barrier is, the less
energy is required to heat and cool the house. As a result, using insulation materials can help
lower energy use and improve thermal comfort [7].

3. What is calibration? How is it applicable in this experiment?

- A calorimeter's calibration involves calculating how many joules of energy are needed to
raise the contents' temperature by one degree Celsius. The calorimeter's calibration factor is
referred to as this. The calibration is carried out using a reaction with a known q, like a
measured amount of benzoic acid lit by a spark from a nickel fuse wire that is weighed before
and after the reaction [8]. To calculate the calorimeter's heat capacity, the temperature
change brought on by the known reaction is employed. Typically, the calibration is done just
before the calorimeter is utilized to collect research data. It may be used in this experiment
to figure out the enthalpy of dissolution.

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Experiment 6: DETERMINATION OF ENTHALPIES OF DISSOLUTION OF SALTS BY CALORIMETRY

4. Explain the importance of water equivalent of calorimeter?

- The mass of water that will absorb or lose the same amount of heat as the material with the
same change in temperature is known as the water equivalent of a calorimeter. The
measurement of heat movement into and out of matter is done using the calorimetric method.
The calorimeter's water equivalent must be measured since it absorbs part of the heat
produced by the reaction during the heat exchange and must thus be taken into consideration
[9].

5. What is heat of solution? What is the importance or application of evaluating the heat of solution?
- The difference in enthalpy associated with the dissolving material in a solvent at constant
pressure that results in infinite dilution is known as the heat solution. It is equivalent to the
mass, temperature change, and solvent specific heat product. Such measurements are
useful across all stages of pharmaceutical formulation, and the approach is being used in an
increasing variety of situations. Solution calorimetry, for instance, is very helpful during
preformulating for the detection and quantification of polymorphs, degrees of crystallinity, and
percent amorphous content; knowledge of all of these parameters is essential in order to
exert control over the production and subsequent performance of a solid pharmaceutical [10].

VI. CONCLUSION
The objectives of this experiment were achieved. Water equivalent was first determined then the
temperatures of the solutions were then measured. Enthalpy of dissolution was then calculated. Based on
the data gathered, there was no relationship between the molecular weight of the sample and its enthalpy
of dissolution. For a solution to form, the particles of the solute and solvent must be pulled away from one
another. The particles of the solute and solvent must then be brought together. As known, while certain
ionic chemicals are insoluble in water, others are easily soluble. When dissolved in water, certain ionic
compounds release heat, while others absorb it. The strength of the intermolecular forces keeping the solid
together, as well as those between the ions and the water once dissolved, In the experiment we determined
that dissolving salts in water undergoes an endothermic reaction. The relationship involves the size of ions
involved in the reaction, as the size of ions increases, the enthalpy of dissolution decreases as it requires
less energy required to break the bonds of salt and form the bonds with water. The strength of the forces
between the ions in an ionic solid is quantified by lattice enthalpy. The forces are stronger the higher the
lattice enthalpy. More energy is needed for dissolution if the lattice enthalpy increases since this raises the
binding force between molecules. Therefore, as lattice enthalpy increases, dissolving becomes increasingly
challenging.
The reaction is solely absorbing energy from the water in the cup, not energy from the surroundings.
Comparing to the theoretical value of enthalpies of dissolution, the obtained value from the experiment has
a +- 6% error compared to virtual laboratory. Possible errors made in this experiment includes but not
limited to human error, equipment errors, and environmental factors.

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Experiment 6: DETERMINATION OF ENTHALPIES OF DISSOLUTION OF SALTS BY CALORIMETRY

The reason of having small percentage error compared to the laboratory experiment is because of
the thermometer used. In this experiment, digital thermometer is used instead of mercury thermometer.
Using electronic thermometers results in a higher degree of temperature fluctuation, according to both
laboratory and clinical investigations, although there is no discernible difference between the two types of
thermometers' average levels of accuracy. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that employing a
measurement duration greater than 3 minutes while taking clinical measures using mercury thermometers
has no therapeutic benefit but, in this case, measuring of temperature must be recorded once the
temperature has stabilized and it is done in less than 3 minutes means that using digital thermometers
make a difference.

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 Experiment 6: DETERMINATION OF ENTHALPIES OF DISSOLUTION OF SALTS BY CALORIMETRY

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Experiment 6: DETERMINATION OF ENTHALPIES OF DISSOLUTION OF SALTS BY CALORIMETRY

27. Davies, S. P., BSC, J. Y. K., Thrush, A. J., & BA, P. H. S. S. (1986). A comparison of mercury and
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rn_Haber_Cycles

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 Experiment 6: DETERMINATION OF ENTHALPIES OF DISSOLUTION OF SALTS BY CALORIMETRY

APPENDIX
A. Setups in determining the enthalpy of dissolutions.
a) Potassium Chloride.

Fig 3. Setup in determining the enthalpy of dissolution of Potassium Chloride.

b) Potassium Nitrite.

Fig 4. Setup in determining the enthalpy of dissolution of Potassium Nitrite.

c) Copper (II) Sulphate Pentahydrate.

Fig 5. Setup in determining the enthalpy of dissolution of Copper (II) Sulphate Pentahydrate.

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Experiment 6: DETERMINATION OF ENTHALPIES OF DISSOLUTION OF SALTS BY CALORIMETRY

B. Calculations in determining the enthalpy of dissolutions using equation 2.

a) Potassium Chloride.
𝐽 𝑔
(13.0435𝑔 + 50𝑔)(26 °𝐶 − 21.7 °𝐶)(4.2 𝑔°𝐶 )(74.55 )
𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝐸=
4.5𝑔
𝐽
𝐸 = 18862.23694
𝑚𝑜𝑙

b) Potassium Nitrite.
𝐽 𝑔
(13.0435𝑔 + 50𝑔)(26 °𝐶 − 20.20 °𝐶)(4.2 𝑔°𝐶 )(85.104 )
𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝐸=
5𝑔
𝐽
𝐸 = 29043.90845
𝑚𝑜𝑙

c) Copper (II) Sulphate Pentahydrate.

𝐽 𝑔
(13.0435𝑔 + 50𝑔)(26 °𝐶 − 25 °𝐶)(4.2 )(249.68 )
𝑔°𝐶 𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝐸=
6𝑔
𝐽
𝐸 = 11018.49076
𝑚𝑜𝑙

GALICIA, JANN VHERWEL R. 11