A calorimeter is used to compare the energy content of some fuels. During the calibration of the calorimeter, an electrical resistance heater supplies 120 J of heat and a temperature increase of 0.920°C is observed. Then, 0.3 g of a particular fuel is burned in this same calorimeter, and the temperature increases by 6.15°C. What is the amount of energy liberated per gram of fuel burned?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The heat capacity of the calorimeter can be calculated from the calibration data:$$C = \frac{Q}{\Delta T} = \frac{120 J}{0.920°C} = 130.4 J/°C$$The energy liberated per gram of fuel burned is then:$$E = C \Delta T = (130.4 J/°C)(6.15°C) = 802.4 J/g = 0.802 kJ/g$$Therefore, the correct answer is A) 2.7 kJ/g.

A Calorimeter Is Used to Compare the Energy Content of Some