Calorimeter

A calorimeter is an experimental device used to facilitate heat exchange between substances and measure the amount of heat involved in a process (denoted as heat Q and temperature t). It is composed of two nested containers, with a layer of air between them acting as insulation to minimize heat exchange with the surroundings. The inner container is supported by a wooden cross to further reduce heat conduction between the two containers. The calorimeter’s lid has openings for a thermometer and a stirrer. The animation demonstrates that the calorimeter itself has a heat capacity C that affects heat exchange during an experiment. This heat capacity is determined experimentally. At the start of the process, water is poured into the inner container, and heat exchange begins between the water and the thermometer, which quickly displays the current temperature. As time progresses, heat is transferred from the water to the inner container and its lid, then partially to the air, and eventually to the outer container. This heat transfer causes a slight decrease in the temperature shown by the thermometer, which continues until the system reaches equilibrium. The animation simplifies and accelerates the process to highlight these key stages of heat transfer and stabilization within the calorimeter.