Practical: Investigating Temperature Changes (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry: Double Science)

Aim:

To perform a calorimetry study of the reaction between HCl and NaOH

Materials:

• Dilute hydrochloric acid
• Dilute sodium hydroxide solution
• Styrofoam (polystyrene) calorimeter & lid
• 25 cm³ measuring cylinder
• Thermometer & stirrer

Diagram showing the apparatus for the calorimetry investigation for displacement, dissolving and neutralisation

Method:

1. Using a measuring cylinder, place 25 cm³ of the NaOH solution into the calorimeter
2. Measure and record the temperature of the solution
3. Add 5 cm³ of the dilute HCl and stir
4. Measure and record the highest temperature reached by the mixture
5. Repeat steps 1 – 4 increasing the amount of acid added by 5 cm³ each time