Question

2. A quantity of 1.922g of methanol (CH3OH) was burned in a constant-volume

bomb calorimeter. Consequently the temperature of the water rose by 4.20C.
If the heat capacity of the bomb plus water was 10.4KJ/C, calculate the molar
heat of combustion of methanol.

Answer 1

Mass of methanol (CH3OH) = 1.922 g
Change in Temperature (t) = 4.20°C
Heat capacity of the bomb plus water = 10.4 KJ/oC
The heat absorbed by the bomb and water is equal to the product of the heat capacity and the temperature change.
Let’s assume that no heat is lost to the surroundings. First, let’s calculate the heat changes in the calorimeter. This is calculated using the formula shown below:
qcal = Ccalt
Where, qcal = heat of reaction
Ccal = heat capacity of calorimeter
t = change in temperature of the sample
Now, let’s calculate qcal:
qcal = (10.4 kJ/°C)(4.20°C)
= 43.68 kJ
Always qsys = qcal + qrxn = 0,
qrxn = -43.68 kJ
The heat change of the reaction is - 43.68 kJ which is the heat released by the combustion of 1.922 g of CH3OH. Therefore, the conversion factor is: