Undertaking Calorimetry to study cooling curves
Calibrating thermometers
Aim
The aim of this practical was to test the accuracy of a digital and spirit thermometer. We
used this to determine which thermometer to use to plot cooling curves for two
substances (steric acid and cetyl alcohol.)
Introduction
In order to determine which thermometer would be appropriate to use when doing the
calorimetry, I needed to choose which the most accurate one was. To do this I calibrated a
digital thermometer and a spirit thermometer.
Calibration is configuring scientific equipment to get the most accurate reading possible
that is closest to the true value.
Equipment
• Spirit thermometer
• Digital thermometer
• Ice
• Water
• Beaker
• Bunsen burner
• Gauze
• Tripod
• Kettle
• Heat proof mat
,Procedure of calibrating thermometers
Melting point
1. I used water to calibrate my thermometers as I know the boiling point of water
(100°C) and the melting point (0°C) so the more accurate thermometer will display a
number closest to these values.
2. I filled my 250ml beaker with ice about a third of the way and added a few drops of
water to speed up the rate at which it melted as I only had a lesson to conduct this
practical.
3. I placed both a digital and a spirit thermometer into the ice and made sure it wasn't
touching the glass of the beaker so it would take the temperature of the ice and not
the actual beaker so I would get a reliable reading.
4. Once the number on the display stopped changing, I took the reading of each
thermometer into a results table.
Boiling point
1. I boiled approximately 100cm³ of water
2. I then set up a Bunsen with a tripod and gauze to continue to heat the water to
ensure that it consistently remained at boiling point
3. I then placed both thermometers in and waited for the displayed number to stop
changing.
4. I recorded the results into my table
, Risk assessment
Hazard Risk Prevention Treatment
Boiling water Burns Be careful; don’t Run burnt area
touch the beaker under cold water for
with your bare at least 10 minutes.
hands if filled with Seek help and use
boiling water. Wear first aid kit if burns
goggles so it doesn’t are severe
splatter in eyes,
remain standing
when conducting
experiment.
Bunsen burner Burns and fire Be careful, turn it off Run burnt area
hazard when not in use, tie under cold water for
back long hair, use at least 10 minutes.
heatproof mat, and Seek help and use
keep away from first aid kit if burns
flammable objects. are severe
Use fire extinguisher
to put out fires.
Broken glass Cuts Allow hot glass Seek medical help
equipment e.g. and use first aid kit
beakers to cool
before touching,
keep beakers away
from edge of
surface.
Hot tripod Burns Allow enough time Run burnt area
to cool before under cold water for
picking it up. Don't at least 10 minutes.
grab to test if hot. Seek help and use
Use heatproof mat first aid kit if burns
are severe
Results
Calibrating thermometers
Aim
The aim of this practical was to test the accuracy of a digital and spirit thermometer. We
used this to determine which thermometer to use to plot cooling curves for two
substances (steric acid and cetyl alcohol.)
Introduction
In order to determine which thermometer would be appropriate to use when doing the
calorimetry, I needed to choose which the most accurate one was. To do this I calibrated a
digital thermometer and a spirit thermometer.
Calibration is configuring scientific equipment to get the most accurate reading possible
that is closest to the true value.
Equipment
• Spirit thermometer
• Digital thermometer
• Ice
• Water
• Beaker
• Bunsen burner
• Gauze
• Tripod
• Kettle
• Heat proof mat
,Procedure of calibrating thermometers
Melting point
1. I used water to calibrate my thermometers as I know the boiling point of water
(100°C) and the melting point (0°C) so the more accurate thermometer will display a
number closest to these values.
2. I filled my 250ml beaker with ice about a third of the way and added a few drops of
water to speed up the rate at which it melted as I only had a lesson to conduct this
practical.
3. I placed both a digital and a spirit thermometer into the ice and made sure it wasn't
touching the glass of the beaker so it would take the temperature of the ice and not
the actual beaker so I would get a reliable reading.
4. Once the number on the display stopped changing, I took the reading of each
thermometer into a results table.
Boiling point
1. I boiled approximately 100cm³ of water
2. I then set up a Bunsen with a tripod and gauze to continue to heat the water to
ensure that it consistently remained at boiling point
3. I then placed both thermometers in and waited for the displayed number to stop
changing.
4. I recorded the results into my table
, Risk assessment
Hazard Risk Prevention Treatment
Boiling water Burns Be careful; don’t Run burnt area
touch the beaker under cold water for
with your bare at least 10 minutes.
hands if filled with Seek help and use
boiling water. Wear first aid kit if burns
goggles so it doesn’t are severe
splatter in eyes,
remain standing
when conducting
experiment.
Bunsen burner Burns and fire Be careful, turn it off Run burnt area
hazard when not in use, tie under cold water for
back long hair, use at least 10 minutes.
heatproof mat, and Seek help and use
keep away from first aid kit if burns
flammable objects. are severe
Use fire extinguisher
to put out fires.
Broken glass Cuts Allow hot glass Seek medical help
equipment e.g. and use first aid kit
beakers to cool
before touching,
keep beakers away
from edge of
surface.
Hot tripod Burns Allow enough time Run burnt area
to cool before under cold water for
picking it up. Don't at least 10 minutes.
grab to test if hot. Seek help and use
Use heatproof mat first aid kit if burns
are severe
Results
