1. What happens if our calorimeter is not properly insulated..what effect will it have on our calculated specific heat capacity I.e too large, too small or no effect....explain.

Question

2. If our partner forgot to cover the coffee cup calorimeter while the temperature was being monitored. ..would this be considered a serious error. ...explain.
Thanks.

Answer 1

1. Then heat can move from the surroundings to the calorimeter and the reverse. For the specific heat capacity are you talking about that of the calorimeter or the material being measured.

2. The coffee cup calorimeter is at best a device for estimation because heat can move from calorimeter to surroundings and the reverse. I would not think the effect would be very large.

Answer 2

I mean the specific heat capacity of the material being measured and the material used is hot mineral oil which was transferred into the cold water in the calorimeter.

For question 1, what Effect would be on the specific heat capacity of the oil if the calorimeter is not properly insulated

For question 2.if our partner opened the lid of the coffee cup and thereby the water loses energy..would it b considered as a serious error.
Thanks