Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

What changes should be made to make a more accurate calorimeter?
In science my group are doing a calorimeter project and I have no idea what should be changed to make a more accurate calorimeter. My group doesnt do anything and depends on me to do everything. Its due very soon and its 60 points, I need help!

Hi anonymous123,

(Sorry you got a lame group.)

As you know, a calorimeter measures heat-- it's basically an insulated vessel that you put something in, let it react or mix (or whatever action that you are interested in) and measure the change in heat.

From this very general definition we can get a quick idea of what makes a good one: it would have a very good way of measuring heat (a nice thermometer) and be a perfect insulator: it should hold in all the heat that you want to measure. Insulation is generally the weakness in laboratory calorimeters, especially in laboratory classrooms since we often just use Styrofoam cups.

Hope these ideas are of a little help,

-John