The document discusses calorimetry and specific heat. [1] Calorimetry is used to measure heat changes in chemical and physical processes using a calorimeter, which is an insulated device that measures heat absorption or release. [2] Specific heat is the amount of heat needed to change the temperature of 1 gram of a substance by 1 degree Celsius or Kelvin and is measured in Joules per gram-degree. [3] An example calculation is shown to determine the specific heat of copper using calorimetry data.

1. Title: SPECIFIC HEAT AND CALORIMETRY
BACKGROUND:
Calorimetry
Method used to measure heat
The accurate and precise measurement of heat change for chemical and physical
processes.
Calorimeter
An insulated device used to measure the absorption or release of heat in a chemical
or physical change. Usually water is the chemical that captures heat.
Heat of combustion
Combustion reactions are reactions of hydrocarbons (CHO) with oxygen.
Types of chemical reactions:
1. Exothermic reactions
In exothermic reactions the heat is released by the system (example: spark, flame
or explosion). Combustion reactions are always exothermic.
2. Endothermic reactions
Is a type of reaction in which the system absorbs heat from the surroundings,
causing its surroundings to loose heat or “cool down”.

2. Specific heat, SH (J/g-oC) or (J/g-K)
 Heat needed to raise 1 g of substance 1oC.
 Capacity to gain (or lose) heat
 Also called heat capacity and specific heat capacity.
Specific heat of water: 4.187 J/g-oC
Heat or Energy (Q)
 Measured in Joules (J) or Calories (cal)
 A calorie is the amount of energy (heat) needed to raise the temperature of 1 g of
water 1oC.
Example:
Determine the specific heat of 259 grams of copper at initial temperature of 22.3 deg C placed in
374 grams of water with initial temperature of 92.7 deg C. The final temperature after putting the
copper in the water is 88.5 deg C.
Solution:
= - 6,576.9396 J
Substituting;
C = 0.3836 J/g-K
Reference:
Washington State Community College