The actual enthalpy of the magnesium flare reaction is –603 kJ/mol. Your experimental value was likely different. Check all that apply.The coffee cup calorimeter may have absorbed some heat.The plastic coffee cup lid may have allowed some heat to escape.The thermometer did not measure the temperature of the solution properly.Reading the maximum temperature values from the thermometer could be challenging.
Answer
A
The coffee cup calorimeter may have absorbed some heat.
B
The plastic coffee cup lid may have allowed some heat to escape.
C
The thermometer did not measure the temperature of the solution properly.
D
Reading the maximum temperature values from the thermometer could be challenging.
Explanation
Each item describes a possible source of experimental error. Heat absorbed by the calorimeter or escaping through the lid can make the measured temperature change differ from the reaction’s true heat release, while an inaccurate thermometer or difficulty reading the maximum temperature can also produce an incorrect temperature change. Therefore, all four choices apply.
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