Question

Look up the heat capacity of a foam cup. Based on this value, how might the results of a calorimeter experiment be affected? How does a foam cup calorimeter compare to a Starbucks cup calorimeter? Be sure to discuss the meaning of heat capacity in the comparison.

Answer 1

The specific heat capacity of foam 0.3 J/gC approx

Therefore, there is still a loss in heat

compare this to: water:

Cp water =4.184 J

if

we have 500 mL of water; 500 g of water; and the cup is approx 20 g of cup/foam

then

Qlost --> 20*0.3 = 6 J

Qwater = 500*4.184 = 2092 J

%lost = 6 / (2092 +6) *100% = 0.25%

note that this loss is TOO low, i.e. we won't lose that mcuh energy

starbucks cup --> it has higher heat capsacity, BUT

will not be considered, since it is sill lower than 1% approx