Question

For a neutralization reaction allowed to proceed in a coffee cup calorimeter, identify the system and the surroundings

Answer 1

The coffee cup calorimeter is designed such that there is no heat loss to the outside of the calorimeter. Thus the system comprises of the calorimeter itself along with the participants in the neutralization reaction.

System comprises of the following:

1) Calorimeter

2) Acid H-A

3) Base B-OH

4) Solvent that acts as medium for the neutralization

Surroundings in this case is the rest of the world outside the calorimeter. Thus, any environment outside the calorimeter is a part of the surroundings.