Final answer:
The heat released by a combustion reaction in a calorimeter can be determined by the change in temperature of the calorimeter. The heat capacity of the calorimeter or reactant mixture can be used to calculate the amount of heat released or absorbed. The mass of the reactants is important in calculating the amount of heat released or absorbed per gram or mole of reactant.
Step-by-step explanation:
The heat released by a combustion reaction performed in a calorimeter can be determined by the change in temperature of the calorimeter. When a reaction releases heat (exothermic), the heat is absorbed by the calorimeter, causing its temperature to increase. Conversely, if the reaction absorbs heat (endothermic), the heat is transferred from the calorimeter to the system, causing its temperature to decrease.
The heat capacity of the calorimeter or the reaction mixture can be used to calculate the amount of heat released or absorbed by the chemical reaction. The mass of the reactants is also important, as it allows for the calculation of the amount of heat released or absorbed per gram or mole of reactant.