Final answer:
Specific heat capacity is the energy needed to change the temperature of a gram of substance by 1°C, and calorimeters measure the heat of chemical reactions or physical changes. Calorimeters determine the heat involved in a process by tracking temperature changes and use this data alongside the known specific heats and masses to calculate energy transfer. Bomb calorimeters require calibration for precise heat capacity measurements, whereas simple calorimeters are less accurate but handy for basic experiments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Specific heat capacity is defined as the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of a substance by 1°C, while a calorimeter is an apparatus used to measure the heat of chemical reactions or physical changes as well as heat capacity. A calorimeter works by measuring the temperature change that occurs with the process being measured and thus allows for the evaluation of the heat involved in a chemical or physical process.
During a reaction in a calorimeter, if the reaction is exothermic (releasing heat), the temperature of the solution inside the calorimeter increases. Conversely, for endothermic reactions (absorbing heat), the temperature decreases. By using the known specific heat capacities and the mass of the substances involved, along with the measured temperature change, the amount of heat transferred can be accurately determined. This process is vital for understanding the enthalpy changes of reactions.
Bomb calorimeters are used for high-energy reactions, such as combustions, and operate at constant volume. These require calibration with a known reaction before carrying out measurements to ensure accurate data. Meanwhile, simple calorimeters like the 'coffee cup' calorimeter are less insulated and thus less accurate but are still useful for educational purposes and simpler experiments.