Bomb Calorimetry

Question

A 2.44 g sample of stearic acid (C18H32O2), a common constituent of fats, is burned in a bomb calorimeter. The temperature of the calorimeter increases by 48.0oC (Celsius). Given that the energy of combustion (?E) for stearic is -40.5 kJ/g, calculate the heat capacity of the bomb calorimeter. Make sure you enter kJ/C for your unit behind the number.

Answer 1

Dear Lara,

 

below is a simplification of how you solve the problem:

 

(40.5 kJ/g)(2.44 g) = (2.44 g)(specific heat)(48.0 C)

 

specific heat = 844 J/gC

 

Feel free to ask questions if you have any other issues.

 

Sincerely,

 

Alex