Calorimetry Lab with Ms. Long
Calorimetry is a method of measuring and calculating heat transfer using an insulated device called a calorimeter. This year’s AP Chemistry students were given unknown metal samples and asked to identify them based upon the calculated specific heats of the samples. Students heated an unknown metal sample to 100 degrees Celsius, then transferred the metal to the water inside the calorimeter. The students could monitor the change in temperature of the water and then do some math wizardry to calculate how much heat was transferred from the metal to the water.
“It’s important for students to participate in lab activities, because it allows them to practice and master basic laboratory techniques such as using bunsen burners, wearing appropriate safety equipment, and using measurement tools like thermometers,” said Ms. Long. “It also requires students to make inferences based on data which in Chemistry is particularly important because of the conceptual nature of the subject. We can’t see heat being transferred from metal to water, but we know it is occurring because the water is getting warmer in measurable increments.”
Seiya Siritunyakij, a boarding student from Thailand, commented, “I liked to do the lab because it helps me to try new things and it helps me to understand more about the class content.”
