CALCULATING HEAT EXCHANGES

 

 

 

Purpose

 

The purpose of this activity is to test validity of the equation Q = mcΔT in a simple heat exchange.

 

 

Instructions

 

Measure the mass 50 ml of tap water in a Styrofoam cup and record its temperature.

 

Mass of empty Styrofoam cup: ________________

 

Mass of Styrofoam cup and 50 mL of water: ________________

 

Temperature of the water: _______________

 

Measure a second mass of 50 ml of hot water in a second Styrofoam cup and record its temperature. 

 

Mass of empty Styrofoam cup 2: __________________

 

Mass of Styrofoam cup and hot water: ____________________

 

Temperature of hot water: ____________________

 

Pour one sample of water into the other and record the final temperature of the mixture.

 

Final temperature of the mixture: _________________

 

1)    Use the equation  Q = mcΔT to find the heat gained by the cool water.  (Use c = 4.18 J/g-C as the specific heat of water.)

 

∆T = Tmixed waterTcold water

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2) Use the equation Q = mcΔT to find the heat lost by the hot water.

 

∆T = Thot water  - Tmixed water

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3) Are these two number approximately equal?  What does that say about the validity of the equation?