Q8.23 in textbook

[Deanna_Nguyen_3L]

For question 23 in Chapter 8 in the textbook, when calculating the heat capacity of the calorimeter, you use q=mc(delta)t. The solution to this problem is 22.5kJ/(23.97C-22.45C) = 14.8kJ/C. Why is mass not seen in this solution? Is it assumed the calorimeter's mass is 1g?

[Chem_Mod]

Hi Deanna,

For a calorimeter,



From this, you can calculate the heat capacity quite easily.

I believe you are confusing "heat capacity" with "specific heat capacity". For calorimeters, we are only interested in its heat capacity.

Hope this helps!