Question

Phthalates used as plasticizers in rubber and plastic products are believed to act as hormone mimics in humans. The value of δHcomb for dimethylphthalate (C10H10O4) is –4685 kJ/mol. Assume 0.835 g of dimethylphthalate is combusted in a calorimeter whose heat capacity (Ccalorimeter) is 6.15 kJ/°C at 20.0 °C. What is the final temperature of the calorimeter?

Answer 1

To calculate the final temperature of the calorimeter, use the equation q = mcΔT. First, calculate the heat released by the combustion of dimethylphthalate using the equation q = -ΔHcomb × n. Then use the heat released and the heat capacity of the calorimeter to calculate the change in temperature using the equation ΔT = q / (mcalorimeter × Ccalorimeter).

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to calculate the final temperature of the calorimeter, we need to use the equation q = mcΔT, where q is the heat released, m is the mass of the substance being burned, c is the specific heat capacity of the substance, and ΔT is the change in temperature. First, we need to calculate the heat released by the combustion of dimethylphthalate. We can use the equation q = -ΔHcomb × n, where ΔHcomb is the enthalpy of combustion per mole of the substance and n is the moles of the substance. The moles of dimethylphthalate can be calculated using its molar mass and the given mass. Once we have the heat released, we can use it along with the heat capacity of the calorimeter to calculate the change in temperature. Rearranging the equation, we get ΔT = q / (mcalorimeter × Ccalorimeter). Substituting the given values and calculating, we find the final temperature of the calorimeter.