WHAT YOU’LL LEARN TO DO: Look at specific heat and apply it to real world situations (frostbite); investigate the heat capacity of a calorimeter, the exothermic reactions used in heat packs, and the specific heat of substances.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
- Determine whether a reaction is endothermic or exothermic.
- Determine the best ionic compound of to use in a heat pack for treating frostbite based on your experimental results.
- Calculate the average heat capacity of your calorimeter.
- Calculate the specific heat of a metal.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
The learning activities for this section include:
| Assignment | Approximate Time to Complete | Due Lab During Week |
| Read Introduction | 15 minutes | Before Lab |
|
Complete the Prelab Assignment Make sure you get this signed when you come to lab! |
20 minutes | Before Lab |
| Prepare for Prelab Quiz This week’s prelab will be on safety, prelab questions, and procedure. |
Varies | Before Lab |
| Complete Lab Handout | ~30 minutes outside lab | Next Lab Meeting |
*All students are expected to participate in the completion of the pre-lab assignment regardless of whether the assignment is an individual or group assignment.
*Pre-lab quizzes must be completed prior to coming to lab for a student to be admitted to class.