Question

1.Considering the three mechanisms of heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation), discuss how the calorimeter could be improved.

Answer 1

Before going to the calorimeter, let's take a brief look at what these three mechanisms are :

Conduction - Heat transfer through molecular motion

Convection - Transfer of heat through mass movement of substance

Radiation - Transfer of heat via electromagnetic waves. radiation from sun, heat from a bonfire.

The biggest source of error or inaccuracy in calorimeter is the unwanted heat loss to surroundings. When the liquid or any substance inside the calorimeter is heated, convection takes place inside the beaker as the warm air rises up. Also due to conduction and movement of molecules and interaction between them, the walls get hot and heat is rejected to the surroundings via radiation.

We can prevent this heat loss by incorporating proper insulation. The most preferred insulation material is styrofoam.