Calorimeter Bomb

[hollyf]

Is a calorimeter bomb a closed or isolated system? My TA told us a calorimeter bomb means the volume is constant, but couldn't that still mean heat could go in and out? Thanks!

[yocelyn tapia 3H]

Hi! Yes it is a closed system but because heat can move in and out of the system it is not isolated. If it were insulated (meaning heat stays inside) then it would be considered isolated!

[Sei Lam 3F]

Hi! I believe a bomb calorimeter is an isolated system, as no heat can enter or leave the device.

[Destiny Caldwell 3J]

A calorimeter bomb is typically considered a closed system. The volume of the calorimeter bomb may remain constant during a calorimetry experiment, it still allows for heat exchange with the surroundings. The term "closed system" refers to the restriction of mass exchange with the surroundings while permitting energy transfer, which aligns with the behavior of a calorimeter bomb. Therefore, in calorimetry experiments, the calorimeter bomb functions as a closed system where heat exchange occurs without mass exchange.