Calorimetry

Question 10 • TX-Chemistry B-CR

Which statement describes how a basic coffee cup calorimeter works?

Answer

It measures the mass of a substance given the specific heat and temperature of water in a cup of known size.

It measures the density of a substance given the mass, specific heat, and temperature of water in a cup of known size.

It uses the mass and specific heat of water along with a pressure gauge to measure the gain or loss of energy when a substance is added.

It uses the mass and specific heat of water along with a thermometer to measure the gain or loss of energy when a substance is added.

Explanation

A basic coffee cup calorimeter tracks the water’s temperature change with a thermometer. Using the water’s mass, specific heat, and temperature change, you can calculate its energy change with q = mcΔT; this indicates the energy gained or lost when a substance is added. A pressure gauge, as in choice C, is not needed.

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