Final answer:
To reduce the percentage error in calorimetry, use a commercial calorimeter that provides better thermal insulation and precise temperature measurement, ensure it is well-insulated, and take accurate mass and heat absorption measurements.
Step-by-step explanation:
To reduce the percentage error in calorimetry, it is crucial to ensure that the calorimeter is well-insulated to minimize the exchange of energy between the contents of the calorimeter and the external environment. Using a commercial calorimeter with better thermal insulation can lead to more accurate results.
Precise measurements can be achieved through the use of calorimeters with high-quality temperature sensors and motorized stirring mechanisms, which promote consistent mixing and thermal distribution.
Frequently, students use simple coffee cup calorimeters for educational experiments. These allow for significant heat exchange with the outside environment, which can introduce errors.
By upgrading to a more sophisticated bomb calorimeter or other commercial alternatives, one can obtain more accurate measurements. These advanced calorimeters have features such as a well-insulated, fully enclosed reaction vessel and precise temperature sensors, both of which contribute to reducing measurement errors.
Additionally, accurate measurements of the masses of the substances involved, diligent accounting for the heat absorbed by both the solution and the calorimeter, and employing known mathematical relations for computation further reduce the percentage error in calorimetric experiments.