REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
Calorimetric Measurement of Heat Produced by Neutralization Reactions
Paras, Jae Rold, A.
[
DCvET 1-1, Institute of Technology,
Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa, Manila
ABSTRACT
To write a post-lab abstract, start with a brief introduction that outlines the experiment's background
and objectives. Follow this with a description of the methods used, a summary of the main results
highlighting key findings, and a discussion of their implications regarding the initial hypothesis.
Ensure the abstract is within 250 words, written in the past tense with clear, concise language,
avoiding jargon for accessibility. Finally, proofread for clarity and coherence to create a cohesive
summary of your lab activity.
Keywords: Keyword 1, Keyword 2, Keyword 3, Keyword 4, Keyword 5
INTRODUCTION changes due to chemical reactions, alloying,
or dissolution (Shamsuddin, 2024).
Calorimetry is a crucial scientific
method for assessing the quantity of heat Building on the principles of
transferred between a system and its thermodynamics, the First Law of
surroundings, providing valuable insights Thermodynamics states that energy cannot
into energy changes during chemical be created or destroyed, but only
reactions. The term 'calorimetry' is derived transferred or transformed. For instance, in
from the Latin word calor (heat) and the a neutralization reaction between an acid
Greek word metron (measure), reflecting its (HCl) and a base (NaOH), the heat released
primary focus on measuring heat. This is absorbed by the calorimeter, leading to a
process is based on the First and Second measurable change in temperature. This
Laws of Thermodynamics, which govern allows the heat of neutralization to be
how energy is transferred and how heat quantified. In support of this, earlier studies
moves within a system. Calorimetry is the by Oxtoby et al. (2015) demonstrated that
science of measuring energy changes in the calorimetry can effectively measure the heat
form of heat, and the apparatus used to released during the neutralization of strong
measure this change is called a calorimeter. acids and bases, consistently showing that
It involves techniques to measure the this reaction releases a specific amount of
enthalpy or heat of a reaction, changes in heat. In contrast, the Second Law of
heat content related to temperature shifts, Thermodynamics, along with the concept of
phase changes like melting and boiling, and entropy, helps explain the direction of heat
flow. Specifically, it describes why heat
CHEM 0151
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
naturally flows from a hotter to a cooler OBJECTIVES
area, ensuring that the heat generated in a
This experiment aims to determine
neutralization reaction can be measured by
the heat released during the neutralization
the resulting temperature rise in the
reaction of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and
calorimeter. Moreover, studies by Berthier
hydrochloric acid (HCl) using a constant-
and Gagnaire (2007) explored the
pressure calorimeter (coffee-cup
implications of the Second Law in
calorimeter).
calorimetric experiments, emphasizing the
importance of maintaining precise control METHODOLOGY
over the calorimeter’s environment to
ensure accurate readings. In this experiment, the heat released
during the neutralization reaction between
Furthermore, practical applications hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium
of calorimetry are often seen in the hydroxide (NaOH) was measured using a
laboratory setting. According to Bopegedera coffee-cup calorimeter. The goal was to
et al. (2016), coffee cup calorimetry, determine the amount of heat generated in
performed with calorimeters made from this exothermic reaction by observing the
change in temperature. A coffee-cup
Styrofoam coffee cups, is a common
calorimeter was used to minimize heat loss
experiment in general chemistry labs. These
to the surroundings, and the temperature
calorimeters are inexpensive, simple to use, was recorded before and after the reaction
and provide adequate insulation for most to calculate the heat released. The
thermodynamics’ experiments. In alignment procedure involved carefully measuring and
with this, Mark et al. (2018) describes the mixing known concentrations of HCl and
typical calorimeter setup as two nested NaOH, ensuring accurate temperature
Styrofoam cups, designed to minimize heat measurements for both the reactants and
absorption from the surroundings and the resulting mixture.
prevent heat loss to the environment. The
heat transfer is quantified using the formula
q = mcΔT, where q represents the heat, m is
the mass, c is the specific heat (J/g°C), and
ΔT is the temperature change. The specific
heat of a substance, c, refers to the amount
of heat required to raise the temperature of
one gram of the substance by one degree
Celsius, a key intensive property.
Considering these principles, the
laboratory experiment in question aims to
measure the heat produced during a
neutralization reaction using calorimetric
techniques. The calorimeter measures the
change in temperature, allowing students to Figure 1. Schematic Diagram of
calculate the heat of neutralization and gain Calorimetric Measurement of heat produced
a deeper understanding of the energy by Neutralization Reaction.
transformation that occurs during the
interaction between acids and bases.
CHEM 0152
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
Based on figure 1, 30 mL of 0.1 M (2) Styrofoam cups
hydrochloric acid (HCl) was measured using
a 100 mL graduated cylinder and
transferred into a clean 250 mL beaker. The
mass of the HCl solution in the beaker was
then recorded using a weighing scale, and
its initial temperature was measured with a
thermometer. The acid solution was
subsequently transferred into a set of
stacked insulated cups, which were properly
covered to minimize heat loss. Next,
Figure 2. Styrofoam cups
another 30 mL of 0.1 M sodium hydroxide
(NaOH) was measured using the same 100 Coffee cup calorimetry, performed
mL graduated cylinder and transferred into with calorimeters made with Styrofoam
a clean 250 mL beaker. The NaOH solution coffee cups, is a familiar experiment in the
was weighed, and its mass and initial general chemistry laboratory. These
temperature were recorded. The NaOH calorimeters are inexpensive, easy to use,
solution was then poured into the coffee-cup and provide good insulation for most
calorimeter containing the HCl solution. The thermodynamics’ experiments, (Bopegedera
mixture was stirred for 3 minutes to ensure et al. 2016).
proper mixing, and the temperature was
recorded at 30-second intervals. The (2) 250 mL Beaker
highest recorded temperature was noted as
the final temperature of the reaction.
This process was performed twice to
confirm the reliability and consistency of the
results. This allowed for the identification of
potential errors or inconsistencies that might
have occurred during the procedure, such
as temperature variations in readings or Figure 3. 250 mL Beaker
inconsistencies in the measurements of the
acid and base solutions. By repeating the The beaker holds the reactants
experiment twice, the results could be (such as sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric
compared and averaged, leading to a more acid) before the neutralization reaction
accurate and robust conclusion about the occurs.
heat released during the neutralization
(1) 100 mL graduated cylinder
reaction.
Figure 4. 100 mL graduated cylinder
MATERIALS
CHEM 0153
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
The graduated cylinder is used to ensures that the reactants are fully
accurately measure specific volumes of the combined and react uniformly, which is
liquid reactants, such as hydrochloric acid important for accurate measurement of the
(HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), before heat released or absorbed during the
they are mixed for the neutralization reaction.
reaction. Precise measurements of the
volumes are important for calculating the
heat released or absorbed during the
reaction.
(2) pH strips
(1) Thermometer
Figure 7. pH strips
pH strips are used for measuring pH
Figure 5. Thermometer
to evaluate the properties of a solution,
A thermometer is a device that ensuring safe handling, and guiding
measures temperature in solids, liquids and neutralization or disposal procedures.
gases. A thermometer works by utilizing the
(1) Wash Bottle
thermometric properties of various
substances; measurable physical
characteristics that change when the
temperature changes, for example the
volume of a liquid, the volume of a solid and
the electrical resistance of an electrical
conductor or semiconductor, (Wilson, M.
2021).
(1) Spatula/stirrer
Figure 8. Wash Bottle
A wash bottle is commonly used to
rinse glassware, such as beakers, and
graduated cylinders, to remove any leftover
chemicals or to clean the apparatus
between different parts of the experiment. It
Figure 6. Spatula/stirrer ensures that no residual chemicals from
previous reactions interfere with the current
The stirrer is used to gently mix the
experiment.
reactants (such as sodium hydroxide and
hydrochloric acid) in the calorimeter. Stirring
CHEM 0154
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
(30 mL) 0.1 M NaOH
(1) Laboratory gown
Figure 9. Laboratory gown Figure 11. Sodium Hydroxide
Laboratory gown provides personal Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) serves as
protection while conducting experiments in the base in the neutralization reaction with
a laboratory setting. It serves to protect the hydrochloric acid (HCl). Its primary purpose
wearer's skin and clothing from potential is to react with the acid to form water and
chemical spills, splashes, or contamination, salt (NaCl), releasing heat in the process.
ensuring safety during experiments.
(30 mL) 0.1 M HCl
(1 pair) Laboratory gloves
Figure 12. Hydrochloric acid
Figure 10. Laboratory gloves Hydrochloric acid (HCl) serves as
Laboratory gloves are worn to the acid in the neutralization reaction with
protect the hands from exposure to harmful sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Its primary
chemicals, biological agents, and hazardous purpose is to react with the NaOH to form
materials during laboratory work. They water and sodium chloride (NaCl), releasing
provide a physical barrier to prevent direct heat in the process. The amount of HCl
contact with toxic, corrosive, or irritant used is important because it determines the
substances, reducing the risk of skin burns, extent of the reaction, and the amount of
allergic reactions, or contamination. heat produced.
CHEM 0155
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS: As presented in table 1. the first trial, the
mass of the HCl solution was determined to
Safety Considerations: Laboratory be 28.74 g. The specific heat capacity (C)
gloves and a gown were worn to protect was recorded as 4.184 J/g°C. The initial
against possible spills of NaOH and HCl. All temperature of the HCl solution was
chemicals were handled with care to avoid measured to be 26°C, while the initial
skin contact or spills. The calorimeter was temperature of the 30 mL of 0.1 M sodium
ensured to be properly sealed during the hydroxide (NaOH) was 26.5°C. When the
experiment to prevent heat loss or HCl and NaOH solutions were combined,
contamination of the solutions. Any the initial temperature was recorded as
remaining chemicals were disposed of 26°C. The solution was stirred for 3
according to the laboratory’s safety minutes, and the final temperature reached
guidelines. 27°C.
For the second trial, 30 mL of 0.1 M HCl
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION was again measured and transferred into a
clean 250 mL beaker, with the mass of the
The results of the experiment were HCl solution determined to be 27.71 g. The
obtained through two trials, in which the specific heat capacity (C) remained at 4.184
heat released during the neutralization J/g°C. In this trial, the initial temperature of
reaction between sodium hydroxide (NaOH) both the HCl and NaOH solutions was
and hydrochloric acid (HCl) was measured. measured to be 27°C. After combining the
In both trials, the mass of each solution, two solutions, the temperature was
along with their initial and final recorded at 27°C, and the final temperature
temperatures, were recorded to determine reached 27.5°C.
the heat produced during the reaction.
Hence, the experiment successfully
m C Initial Final measured the heat released during the
(ma (spec Temper Temper neutralization reaction between hydrochloric
ss ific ature ature acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in
of heat two trials. In both trials, the mass of the HCl
HCl) capa solution was carefully measured, and the
city specific heat capacity was recorded as
4.184 J/g°C. The temperature change
TRI 28. 4.18 26 °C 27 °C observed in the reactions indicated the heat
AL 74g 4 released during neutralization, with the final
1 J/g°C temperatures for Trial 1 and Trial 2 reaching
TRI 27. 4.18 27 °C 27.5 °C 27°C and 27.5°C, respectively. These
AL 71g 4 results confirm that calorimetry is an
2 J/g°C effective method for quantifying heat
changes in acid-base reactions.
TABLE 1. Collected data from 2 trials of
measuring the heat produced by
neutralization reaction.
CHEM 0156
