Unit 2 - Aim B - Undertake calorimetry to study cooling curves

BTEC Level 3 Applied/Forensic Science
Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
Learning Aim B: Undertake calorimetry to study cooling curves

, Part A: Calibration of thermometers


INTRODUCTION

We will be calibrating and finding out the accuracy of a digital and liquid thermometer, to find which
one is more accurate and how effective they are. It is necessary to calibrate a thermometer to assure
accurate readings. If you don’t calibrate the thermometers, then your results will be inaccurate and
wrong, so it is important to check this. The accuracy of a thermometer can drift and change over time.
The resolution of a liquid thermometer is 1 ºC and a digital thermometer is 0.1 ºC. The digital
thermometer has a higher resolution.


EQUIPMENT

 2 beakers
 Digital thermometer
 Liquid thermometer
 Stopwatch
 Kettle
 Pen and paper
 Ice
 Water




Liquid vs digital thermometer




SAFETY/RISK ASSESMENT


Hazard Risk Control measures




Boiling water Can result in burns on the skin Be careful when handling it and
work carefully with no fast
movements