Question

You used a calorimeter in the heat transfer lab. Explain how the calorimeter works, and how to calculate the heat given off or absorbed by the reaction being studied.

Answer 1

A calorimeter contains reactants and a substance to absorb the heat absorbed. The initial temperature (before the reaction) of the heat absorbent is measured and then the final temperature (after the reaction) is also measured. The absorbent's specific heat capacity and mass are also known. Given all of this data, the equation:
Q = mcΔT 
To find the heat released.

Answer 2

Calorimeter functions by possessing a known mass of familiar substance combust or react in an enclosed space. The calorimeter exhibits an agent for captivation of the heat discharged at the time of reaction or combustion, for example, water may act as the heat absorbing agent.  

The variation in temperature of the heat absorbent in the company of its mass and specific heat capacity are utilized to find out the energy discharged with the help of the equation:  

Q = mCΔT