Calorimetry Help

[arthurk]

How could you calibrate a calorimeter without running a current and voltage through the calorimeter?

[monokekie]

perform a reaction that has a known enthalpy value, so the actual amount of energy (in the form of heat) released/absorbed can be determined from the amount of reactants added.

then divide the heat energy calculated by the temperature change for the calibration factor! xD

[arthurk]

Do we incorporate the heat absorbed by the calorimeter itself?

Edit: i understand it now after doing the first question off the 2008 neap exam
Wonder if this will work in the actual experiment sac tomorrow haha

[monokekie]

wow 2008 neap exam, have you already finished the course?

[arthurk]

yeah but havent touched chem for a while
Calorimetry sac tomorrow, any ideas what i should study?

[monokekie]

i find calorimetry errors quite challenging

basically, i have encounted four types of error so far.

1, the effect on calculated calibration factor if not well insulated.
2, the effect on calculated calibration factor if too much of one of the reactants has been added. ( here you need to watch out for whether the specie is in excess or not, since it would be no effect if its an excess reagent)
3, the effect on calculated enthalpy value of a reaction if one reactant is added more.
4, the effect on calculated enthalpy value of a reaction if not well insulated.