The following errors should be considered when conducting this experiment:
• choosing an incorrect final temperature • unequal equilibrium of temperature in the water • temperature variations in the room • improper insulation of the tubes and calorimeter • water added with the steam • water lost from calorimeter.
Precautions
• Take the highest temperature reached. • Stir the water while waiting for the highest temperature.
• Avoid working near open windows or radiators. • Keep a lid on the calorimeter when possible and insulate the delivery tubes.
• Make sure the steam is completely dry before adding.
• Minimise stirring and take out the steam tube carefully.
Possible exam questions
1. Why should you keep stirring the liquid? 2. How and why would you dry the steam? 3. How would you minimise heat losses? 4.
5.
6. Why must you insulate the steam tube? 7.
Why is the temperature reading the most important value?
Why would you start the experiment with water temperature below room temperature?
What problems might arise if the water is heated to near boiling point?
