Final answer:
Bomb calorimetry is a method to measure heat of combustion by recording the temperature change when a substance like acetylene is burned in excess oxygen within a sealed vessel. The heat produced is calculated using the heat capacity of the calorimeter system and the temperature change observed.
Step-by-step explanation:
A student has asked a question related to bomb calorimetry, which is a technique used to measure the heat of combustion of a substance. Calorimetry is an essential part of thermochemistry and is often used in chemistry to determine the heat transfer associated with chemical reactions, especially combustion reactions. Bomb calorimeters are sealed vessels that withstand high pressures and are typically filled with oxygen to ensure complete combustion of a sample.
Here's a general process to answer questions related to bomb calorimetry; first, you will calculate the total heat capacity of the calorimeter system which includes the calorimeter itself and often a known mass of water. Then, you will apply the formula: heat (q) = heat capacity (C) × change in temperature (ΔT). This calculation enables you to find out the total heat released or absorbed during the reaction.
For example, the combustion of a substance like acetylene in a bomb calorimeter would involve the complete burning of acetylene in the presence of excess oxygen, and the temperature change of the calorimeter water is recorded to calculate the energy change. Precise measurements and temperature changes associated with the known masses of the substances allow for the determination of the heat of combustion on a per gram or mole basis.