calorimeter experiment

Question

when learning about coffee-cup calorimetry, i have 3 questions regarding it that have been making me a bit confused.

when using a coffee-cup calorimeter in an experiment,

1. why is it important to incorporate the "coffee-cup calorimeter constant"?
2. what can this "coffee-cup calorimeter constant" help you determine in an experiment?
3. what does the "coffee-cup calorimeter constant" help you calculate exactly?

Answer 1

1. why is it important to incorporate the "coffee-cup calorimeter constant"?

This accounts for any heat (energy) that is absorbed by the calorimeter itself

1. what can this "coffee-cup calorimeter constant" help you determine in an experiment?

It helps you determine the heat energy gained or lost based on the change in temperature

1. what does the "coffee-cup calorimeter constant" help you calculate exactly?

This is the same as the previous question. It allows you to calculate the heat that is gained or lost during the reaction that is taking place in the calorimeter. q = mC∆T where q = heat; m = mass; C = specific heat and ∆T = change in temperature. If you have only a calorimeter, then we don't need the mass and C becomes the calorimeter constant (Ccal) with units of J/º. So, if you know the Ccal and ∆T, you can determine q (heat)