Experiment No.

1
CALIBRATION OF BOMB CALORIMETER

I. OBJECTIVES
a. To be familiar with the operation of a bomb calorimeter.
b. To determine the CV of the bomb calorimeter by burning a standard substance,
benzoic acid.

II. THEORY

Obtaining energy in the form of heat from the combustion of hydrocarbons,

determining its magnitude and studying its subsequent conversion into useful work is
perhaps one of the most important applications of thermodynamics in the course of
human history (web.williams.edu, 2013). Bomb calorimetry is a technique widely used to
determine the amount of heat released in the course of hydrocarbon combustion. More
specifically, heats of combustion are most conveniently measured using an adiabatic
bomb calorimeter (www.csun.edu, 2013).

Enthalpies of combustion can be measured by burning a known amount of material in

an adiabatic bomb calorimeter and determining the temperature change. In such
calorimeter, the combustion reaction occurs in a closed container under constant volume
conditions. The bomb is immersed in a known quantity of water and surrounded by an
adiabatic shield or bucket that serves as a heat insulator. The bomb is pressurized with
oxygen to ensure complete combustion and sealed to prevent escape of the combustion
products. The sample is ignited by passing a current through a fuse wire within the bomb.
Meanwhile, continuous stirring of the water with a built – in mechanical stirrer ensures
that heat is distributed evenly in the calorimeter (cartwright.chem.ox.ac.uk, 2013).

Although bomb calorimetry experiments are primarily performed for the

determination of enthalpies of combustion, it is also employed for calibrating the bomb,
that is, determining the bomb’s heat capacity. This is performed by igniting a known
quantity of a substance of known enthalpy of combustion as a standard. Benzoic acid is
the most commonly used material for this determination since both ∆U° and ∆H° for
combustion (at 25°C) have been accurately measured by international standards
laboratories (cartwright.chem.ox.ac.uk, 2013). In this experiment, benzoic acid
(C6H5COOH) is used as the standard substance combusted by ignition using a platinum
wire or fuse with electric current to manifest calculation of the heat capacity of the bomb
at constant volume (CV).

The bomb calorimeter (Fig. 1), improvised in this case, consists primarily of the
sample (benzoic acid), oxygen obtained from an oxygen – filled cylinder, the stainless
steel bomb and water wherein the bomb is immersed.
 Fig. 1 – Bomb Calorimeter Assembly.

The dewar, the space between the water – filled bucket and the outer jacket of the
calorimeter assembly, prevents heat transfer from the calorimeter to the rest of the
universe and vice versa, making the calorimeter more or less adiabatic. Because the
calorimeter is considered adiabatic,

q calorimeter = 0 (1)

Since the bomb is made from a rigid material (stainless steel), the combustion
reaction occurs at inherently constant volume and hence no pV work is involved during
the process. In other words,

wcalorimeter = − ∫ pdV = 0 (2)

Thus, it follows from the first law of thermodynamics that the change in internal
energy (∆U) for the calorimeter assembly is zero,

△ U = q calorimeter + wcalorimeter 0 (3)

In a thermodynamic sense, this equation gives an interpretation that the calorimeter is

isolated from the rest of the universe. Because the calorimeter is relatively isolated from
the universe, we can then define the reactants (benzoic acid and oxygen) to be the system
and the rest of the calorimeter (bomb and water) to be the surroundings.

From the first law of thermodynamics,

dUtotal = dUsystem + dUsurroundings = 0 (4)

dUsystem = − dUsurroundings (5)
∂U ∂U
= − [( ∂T) dT + (∂V) dV] (6)
V T
 Since the process occurs at constant volume, dV = 0 and hence the second term of
the equation above becomes zero as well. Noting that by thermodynamic definition, CV =
∂U
( ∂T) , the final equation for calculating the internal energy change for the system
V
becomes
dUsystem = −CV dT (7)

With CV approximated to be independent of T over small temperature ranges, this

expression (7) can then be integrated to give

∆Usystem = −CV ∆T (8)

where CV is the heat capacity of the surroundings, that is, the bomb and the water
(www.chem.hope.edu, 2013).

The value of CV of the calorimeter is taken as the average of the CV of the water
and the CV of the stainless steel bomb (www.chem.hope.edu, 2013).

As stated above, benzoic acid and the platinum fuse were considered the system.
Hence, ∆Usystem is also calculated in the following manner,

∆Usystem = mburned benzoic acid ∆Ubenzoic acid + mburned platinum ∆Uplatinum (9)

Equating equations (8) and (9) we obtain the final equation used for calculating
the experimental CV of the calorimeter,

mbenzoic acid ∆Ubenzoic acid + mplatinum ∆Uplatinum = −CV ∆T (10)

where change in the internal energy for both benzoic acid and platinum are values
evaluated or determined at the standard state (at 25 °C).

By definition of enthalpy,

∆H = ∆U + ∆(pV) (11)
∆H = ∆U + p∆V + V∆p ; ∆V = 0
∆H = ∆U + V∆p (12)

For solids and liquids, very little expansion work is done such that ∆(pV) ≈ 0 in (11).
If the amount of gases in the bomb remain constant, ∆p would be zero and thus, ∆H =
∆U. However, in most combustion reactions, the molar amounts of gases change and
therefore should be accounted for. In particular, combustion of benzoic acid will yield
gaseous CO2 based on the equation employed for hydrocarbon combustion,

CxHYOz (s) + (2X+Y/2-Z)/2 O2 (g) → X CO2 (g) + Y/2 H2O (l)

C6H5COOH (s) + 15/2 O2 (g) → 7 CO2 (g) + 3 H2O (l)
 Assuming the gas produced to be ideal, then by the ideal gas law,

pV = nRT (13)
∆(pV) = ∆(nRT) ; R and T are constants
∆H = ∆U + RT∆ngas (14)

∆Ubenzoic acid is then therefore calculated by subtracting the ∆(pV) correction from
the known enthalpy of combustion (www.csun.edu, 2013 ).

∆Ubenzoic acid = ∆Hbenzoic acid − RT∆ngas = −6318 cal/g (15)

Meanwhile, for the combustion of Pt,

Pt (s) + O2 (g) → PtO2 (s)
∆H°C,Pt = ∆H°rxn = (∑ v ∆H°f ) − (∑ v ∆H°f )
products reactants
where ∆H°f,Pto2 = −32 kcal/mol.

A correction factor should be included for the combustion of the fuse. The heat
released by combustion of the fuse is accounted for by recognizing that

mbenzoic acid ∆Ubenzoic acid + mplatinum ∆Uplatinum = −CV ∆T (10)

which has already been stated earlier (www.chem.hope.edu, 2013).

In reality, the bomb calorimeter is not an adiabatic system. There is a small amount of
heat leaking through the dewar (qcalorimeter ≠ 0) and that the stirrer does work on the
calorimeter (wcalorimeter ≠ 0). The calorimeter’s nonadiabaticity is hence corrected with an
empirical radiative correction, RC.

Fig. 2 – Temperature vs. Time graph for bomb calorimeter calibration.

 The time at which the bomb is considered to be fired is the time that makes the areas
indicated in the above figure equal. For the Parr calorimeter, this is estimated to be at t = 7
minutes. Thus, the temperature at t = 6 minutes must be extrapolated forward 1 minute by the
pre-firing slope, and the temperature at t = 12 minutes must be extrapolated backward 5
minutes by the post-firing slope. Mathematically, this is done as follows

T18 − T12 T6 − T0
∆T = [T12 + ((−5 min) )] − [T6 + ((1 min) )]
6min 6min
T18 − T12 T6 − T0
∆T = T12 − T6 [((−5 min) )] − [((1 min) )]
6min 6min
5(T18 − T12 ) + (T6 − T0 )
∆T = T12 − T6 − [ ]
6
∆T = T12 − T6 − RC (18)

III. MATERIALS AND APPARATUS

a. Materials and Reagent
Distilled water – minimum of 3500 mL
Distilled/de-ionized water – for washing purposes
Benzoic acid – minimum of 0.5 g
Platinum fuse

b. Laboratory Equipment
Bomb calorimeter wire cutter/scissor
Sample pelleter digital weighing scale
Oxygen tank stop watch
Volume measuring equipment clean towel
Long stem thermometer

IV. PROCEDURE
a. PRECAUTIONS
a.1 Oxygen pressure should not exceed 590 psig (40 atm)
a.2 Sample mass should not exceed 1.5 g
a.3 Do not fire the bomb if gas bubbles are released at any point on the bomb
when it is submerged in water
a.4 Stand away from the bomb during firing and do not handle the bomb for at
least 20 seconds after firing
a.5 Report any signs of weaknesses or deterioration of the bomb immediately

b. Preparation of sample (benzoic acid)

b.1 Weigh a specified amount of sample (approximately 0.5 grams)
b.2 Form it into a pellet using the sample pelletizer
b.3 To facilitate complete combustion, the particle size should be 60 mesh or
smaller before pelleting and must contain moisture, optimum amount to be
determined experimentally

c. Filling of the calorimeter with water

 c.1 Measure 3000 mL of distilled water and fill the bucket where the bomb is to
be placed
c.2 Measure the water temperature, secure that it should be approximately 25 ±
0.3 °C so that standard heat of reaction can be obtained

d. Attaching the Platinum fuse

d.1 Cut a 7-cm length of fuse and weigh it
d.2 Set the bomb head on the support stand and fasten the fuse between the two
electrodes

e. Securing of sample in the bomb head

e.1 Place the bomb head in the support stand
e.2 Place the pelleted sample in the steel capsule
e.3 Bend the fuse toward the top surface of the sample firmly enough to keep it
from sliding against the side of the capsule

f. Closing the bomb

f.1 Move the bomb head, with care not to disturb the sample, from the support
stand to the bomb cylinder
f.2 Slide the bomb head into the cylinder and push it down as far as it will go
without twisting and while the gas release valve is open
f.3 Set the screw cap on the cylinder and turn it down firmly by hand until very
tight

g. Filling the bomb with Oxygen

g.1 Open the control valve at the top of the bomb.
g.2 Secure tightly the hose from the Oxygen tank to the control valve
g.3 Open the oxygen tank valve not more than one quarter turn
g.4 Open the filling connection control valve slowly and watch the pressure gauge
rise to the desired filling pressure (100-120 psig)
g.5 Close the control valve.

h. Pre-firing
h.1 Push the two ignition wires into the terminal sockets on the bomb head
h.2 Place the oxygen-filled bomb slowly in the center of the bucket filled with
water
h.3 Check for any gas leakage by observing for continuous production of air
bubbles. If excessive leakage is detected, remove the bomb from the water,
release the pressure and fix the leak.
h.4 Close the cover and seat the cover snugly against the calorimetr
h.5 Lower the thermometer and turn on the stirrer for 6 minutes, getting
temperature readings every 30 seconds

i. Firing of the bomb

i.1 Plug the ignition unit to the power source. Turn on the the ignition unit, a red
indicator light will turn on. Stand back and press the firing button for 1-2 seconds.
 i.2 Record the temperature every 30 seconds up to 12 minutes after firing. Record
also the time after firing when the first increase in temperature occurred.

j. Recovery of the combustion products

j.1 After the temperature measurements, turn off the stirrer. Make sure all
electrical connections are unplugged.
j.2 Open the calorimeter cover and lift the bomb and wipe with clean towel.
j.3 Go outside the room and open the gas release valve gradually to get rid of
residual gas pressure before removing the screw cap. Observe the gas.
j.4 Unscrew the cap, lift the bomb head and place it in the support stand.
j.5 Examine the interior of the bomb for soot or other evidence of incomplete
combustion. If such is discovered the test may be discarded
j.6 Wash all the interior surfaces of the bomb and the combustion capsule with
distilled water. The washings can be titrated if needed to determine sulfur and
other elements
j.7 Weigh the fuse.

k. Do a second trial
l. Clean and organize the laboratory for the use of the next group

V. ILLUSTRATION OF SET-UP

Fig. 3 – Bomb calorimeter assembly (exterior). Fig. 4 – Pelletizing of Benzoic Acid.

Fig. 5 – Weighing of the pellet. Fig. 6 – Attaching the Pt fuse on the sample.
Fig. 7 – Measurement and stabilization Fig. 8 – Filling the bomb with O2.
of water temperature.

Fig. 9 – Pressure gauge.

Fig. 10 – Attaching ignition wires Fig. 11 – Black residue formed

on the bomb head. after combustion of benzoic acid.
 VI. DATA, ANALYSES AND RESULTS

Table 1 – Mass and Temperature of the different materials/reagents.

Mass and Temperature of the different materials/reagents Trial 1 Trial 2

Mass of unpelletized benzoic acid (g) 0.5120 0.5288

Mass of pelletized benzoic acid (g) 0.5041 0.4907
Mass of benzoic acid combusted (g) 0.4988 0.4847
Mass of Platinum fuse (g) 0.0117 0.0118
Mass of Platinum fuse left after combustion (g) 0.0028 0.0029
Mass of Platinum fuse combusted (g) 0.0089 0.0089
Mass of empty capsule (g) 12.6694 12.6693
Mass of capsule + soot (black residue) (g) 12.6747 12.6753
Temperature of water utilized to produce 3000 mL water at T1 = 29.5 T1 = 28.5
25°C (°C) T2 = 20 T2 = 21
Volume of water utilized to produce 3000 mL water at V1 = 1579 V1 = 1600
25°C (mL) V2 = 1421 V2 = 1400
T0 (°C) 24.8 24.7
T6 (°C) 24.95 24.8
T12 (°C) 25.5 25.3
T18 (°C) 25.5 25.3
△TC (°C or K) 0.525 0.48333
CV,calorimeter (J/kg) 25126.72337 26521.66169

Table 2 – Temperature readings for 6 minute – water temperature stabilization period.

T (°C)
Time (min:sec)
Trial 1 Trial 2
0:00 24.8 24.7
0:30 24.9 24.75
1:00 24.9 24.75
1:30 24.9 24.75
2:00 24.95 24.75
2:30 24.95 24.75
3:00 24.95 24.8
3:30 24.95 24.8
4:00 24.95 24.8
4:30 24.95 24.8
5:00 24.95 24.8
5:30 24.95 24.8
6:00 24.95 24.8
 Table 3 – Temperature readings for the 12 minute – firing period.

T(°C)
Time (min:sec)
Trial 1 Trial 2
0 24.95 24.8
0:30 25.1 24.81
1:00 25.1 24.82
1:30 25.2 24.83
2:00 25.25 24.85
2:30 25.3 24.85
3:00 25.4 24.85
3:30 25.5 24.85
4:00 25.5 24.9
4:30 25.5 25.0
5:00 25.5 25.1
5:30 25.5 25.2
6:00 25.5 25.3
6:30 25.5 25.3
7:00 25.5 25.3
7:30 25.5 25.3
8:00 25.5 25.3
8:30 25.5 25.3
9:00 25.5 25.3
9:30 25.5 25.3
10:00 25.5 25.3
10:30 25.5 25.3
11:00 25.5 25.3
11:30 25.5 25.3
12:00 25.5 25.3

Note:
For Trial 1: Temperature increased from 24.95 to 25.1°C 13 seconds after firing the bomb.
For Trial 2: Temperature increased from 24.8 to 24.81°C 10 seconds after firing the bomb.
 Temperature vs. Time graph (Trial 1)
25.6
25.5
Temperature (°C) 25.4
25.3
25.2
25.1 Temperature vs. Time
25 graph
24.9
24.8
24.7
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8
Time (min)

Temperature vs. Time graph (Trial 2)

25.4
25.3
25.2
Temperature (°C)

25.1
25
24.9 Temperature vs. Time
graph
24.8
24.7
24.6
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8
Time (min)

Calculations:
1. Calculating V1 and V2 for obtaining 3000 mL of water at 25.0 ± 0.3°C
Trial 1: Let X = V1 and 3000 – X = V2

V1 3000 mL
BUCKET
29.5°C 25.0°C

V2

20.0°C

m
 By enthalpy balance,

ρ1 V1 CV1 ∆T1 + ρ2 V2 CV2 ∆T2 = ρ3 V3 CV3 ∆T3

But 𝜌1 = 𝜌2 = 𝜌3 and CV1 = CV2 = CV3 thus leaving us with the equation

V1 ∆T1 + V2 ∆T2 = V3 ∆T3 (A)

Letting the reference temperature be 20°C and using eqn. (A)

X(29.5 − 20)°C + (3000 − X)(20 − 20)°C = 3000 mL (25 − 20)°C

X(29.5 − 20)°C = 3000 mL (25 − 20)°C
X = 1578.947368 mL ≈ 1579 mL
3000 − X ≈ 1421 mL
Trial 2: Let X = V1 and 3000 – X = V2

3000 mL
V1
BUCKET 25.0°C
m
28.5°C
m
m m
m
V2
21.0°C
By enthalpy balance, m
m
ρ1 V1 CV1 ∆T1 + ρ2 V2 CV2 ∆T2 = ρ3 V3 CV3 ∆T3

But 𝜌1 = 𝜌2 = 𝜌3 and CV1 = CV2 = CV3 thus leaving us with the equation

V1 ∆T1 + V2 ∆T2 = V3 ∆T3 (A)

Letting the reference temperature be 21°C and using eqn. (A)

X(28.5 − 21)°C + (3000 − X)(21 − 21)°C = 3000 mL (25 − 21)°C

X(28.5 − 21)°C = 3000 mL (25 − 21)°C
X = 1600 mL
3000 − X = 1400 mL

2. Calculating △U° for the combustion of benzoic acid (△U°C,C6H5COOH):

For the combustion of benzoic acid,

C6H5COOH (s) + 15/2 O2 (g) → 7 CO2 (g) + 3 H2O (l) ∆U°C,C6H5COOH =
cal
−6318 g C6H5COOH combusted
 cal 103 g C6H5COOH 4.184 J
∆U°C,C6H5COOH = −6318 x x
g C6H5COOH combusted 1 kg C6H5COOH 1 cal
J
= −26434512
kg C6H5COOH combusted

3. Calculating ∆U° for the combustion of platinum fuse (△U°C,Pt):

For the combustion of Pt,

Pt (s) + O2 (g) → PtO2 (s)
∆H°rxn = (∑ v ∆H°f ) − (∑ v ∆H°f )
products reactants
For the reaction of platinum with O2,
∆H°C,Pt = ∆H°rxn = (∑ v ∆H°f ) − (∑ v ∆H°f )
products reactants
−32 kcal
[1 mol PtO2 x ( ) − [1 mol(0) + 1 mol(0)]]
mol PtO2
∆H°C,Pt =
mol Pt combusted
−32 kcal 103 cal 4.184 J
= x x
mol Pt combusted 1 kcal 1 cal
−133888 J
=
mol Pt combusted

(Note: the enthalpies of formation for both Pt (s) and O2 (g) are zero since these are the
stable forms of platinum and oxygen respectively at the standard state).

∆H°C,Pt = ∆U°C,Pt +△ (PV) = ∆H°C,Pt + RT △ n

∆U°C,Pt = ∆H°C,Pt − RT △ n
−133888 J J mol gas
=[ − 8.3145 (298.15 K)(0 − 1) ]
mol Pt combusted mol gas K mol Pt combusted
1000 mol Pt combusted 1 kg mol Pt combusted
x x
1 kg mol Pt combusted 195.08 kg Pt combusted
J
= −673616.1156
kg Pt combusted

4. Solving for ∆U°system(calorimeter) and CV,calorimeter (steel bomb and water):

Trial 1:
mresidue = mresidue+empty capsule − mempty capsule
mresidue = 12.6747g − 12.6694g = 0.0053g
mburned benzoic acid = mpelletized benzoic acid − mresidue
mburned benzoic acid = 0.5041g − 0.0053g = 0.4988g
mburned Platinum = mPlatinum wire weighed − mPlatinum left
mburned Platinum = 0.0117g − 0.0028g = 0.0089g
 ∆U°system = mburned benzoic acid ∆U°C,C6H5COOH + mburned Platinum ∆U°C,Pt
J
∆U°system = (0.4988x10−3 kg) (−26434512 )
kg C6H5COOH combusted
J
+(0.0089x10−3 kg) (−673616.1156 )
kg Pt combusted
= −13191.52977 J

Solving for ∆Tcalorimeter:

5(T18 − T12 ) + (T6 − T0 )
∆Tcalorimeter = T12 − T6 − ⌊ ⌋
6
5(25.5 − 25.5) + (24.95 − 24.8)
∆Tcalorimeter = 25.5 − 24.95 − ⌊ ⌋
6
∆Tcalorimeter = (25.5 − 24.95 − 0.025)K
∆Tcalorimeter = 0.525 K

Solving for CV,calorimeter :

∆U°system = −CV,calorimeter ∆Tcalorimeter
−(−13191.52977) J J
CV,calorimeter = = 25126.72337
0.525 K K

Trial 2:
mresidue = mresidue+empty capsule − mempty capsule
mresidue = 12.6753g − 12.6693g = 0.0060g
mburned benzoic acid = mpelletized benzoic acid − mresidue
mburned benzoic acid = 0.4907g − 0.0060g = 0.4847g
mburned Platinum = mPlatinum wire weighed − mPlatinum left
mburned Platinum = 0.0118g − 0.0029g = 0.0089g
∆U°system = mburned benzoic acid ∆U°C,C6H5COOH + mburned Platinum ∆U°C,Pt
J
∆U°system = (0.4847x10−3 kg) (−26434512 )
kg C6H5COOH combusted
J
+(0.0089x10−3 kg) (−673616.1156 )
kg Pt combusted
= −12818.80315 J

Solving for ∆Tcalorimeter:

5(T18 − T12 ) + (T6 − T0 )
∆Tcalorimeter = T12 − T6 − ⌊ ⌋
6
5(25.3 − 25.3) + (24.8 − 24.7)
∆Tcalorimeter = 25.3 − 24.8 − ⌊ ⌋
6
∆Tcalorimeter = (25.3 − 24.8 − 0.01666666667) K
∆Tcalorimeter = 0.4833333333 K ≈ 0.48333K

Solving for CV,calorimeter :

 ∆U°system = −CV,calorimeter ∆Tcalorimeter
−(−12818.80315 J) J J
CV,calorimeter = = 26521.66169
0.48333 K K

5. Solving for the mean CV,calorimeter :

J J
(25126.72337 K + 26521.66169 K) J
CV,calorimeter = = 25824.19253
2 K

Analyses:

From the data for the firing period of benzoic acid, it takes a short period of time
(10 s and 13 s respectively for the first and second trials) for the water temperature to
rise from its pre-firing value. This is because heat is immediately released during the
combustion of benzoic acid, thereby attesting that it is indeed an exothermic reaction.
In addition, the heat of combustion released during the experiment as observed from
the calculations was largely due to the combustion of benzoic acid, with the
combustion of the platinum fuse relatively small compared to it.
Based on literature, the temperature vs. time graph for bomb calorimeter
experiments can be divided into three distinct portions; the pre-period (the time
period at which the calorimeter parts are allowed to come to equilibrium), rise period
(the time period at which the sample is burned) and the post-period (the time period at
which the calorimeter comes again to thermal equilibrium). Ideally, the graph should
resemble the illustration below (web.williams.edu, 2013):

Fig. 12 – Temperature vs. time graph for bomb calorimeter experiments.

From the experimental results, we can see that the two graphs obtained resembled
Fig. 12. Slight deviations however are observed during the pre-period since water
 utilized was stabilized first to reach a final stable value before firing the sample.
Deviations in the rise period were also noticed. Such deviations may be accounted for
the incomplete combustion of the sample benzoic acid (black residue left in the
capsule). Benzoic acid has not burned completely due to insufficient oxygen supply
because of gas leakage as marked by the bubbles forming in the water when the bomb
was immersed in it. These inaccuracies are due to the fact that the calorimeter utilized
was a fabricated one and not the standard (Parr bomb calorimeter). Formation of
liquid water (condensate) was also noticed in the interior walls of the bomb
calorimeter, proving that combustion of benzoic acid really produces water in the
liquid form.

The values for ∆U°system , ∆Tcalorimeter and CV,calorimeter as shown for both trials
somewhat agree with each other. The relative differences may be due to the differing
mass of burned platinum fuse, differing mass of benzoic acid combusted for both
trials, varying degree of combustion of benzoic acid (indicated by differing amounts
of benzoic acid left after the combustion period), and of course due to the
nonadiabaticity of the calorimeter itself. These differences affected the amount of
energy released during combustion and hence affected the magnitude of
CV,calorimeter .

VII. CONCLUSIONS

Several factors may affect the calibration or determination of the CV of a bomb

calorimeter. The water temperature for instance should be stabilized. As much as
possible, it should be close to 25oC (25.0 ± 0.3oC) so as to accurately obtain the
correct standard enthalpy of combustion for benzoic acid and hence obtaining a CV
value for the calorimeter at 25oC (25.0 ± 0.3oC) as well. Also, the platinum wire
should be secured in a way such that it will be in close proximity to the benzoic acid
for the sample to surely burn when ignited. There are instances that the water
temperature may not rise after sample ignition because the sample was actually not
ignited. Also, a certain pressure or amount of oxygen should be supplied into the
bomb so as to assure complete combustion and that the bomb should be sealed or
closed tightly once the oxygen is introduced. For the case of benzoic acid, pressure of
oxygen supplied should be 100-120 psig. Leakage of oxygen should be as much as
possible prevented so that the sample will burn completely. Unburned sample will
account for lower amount of heat released during combustion and hence significantly
affects CV value determination. Heat within the calorimeter should also be uniformly
distributed and hence mechanical stirring of the water is required. Lastly, due to the
relative nonadiabaticity of the calorimeter, a correction factor for the change in
temperature of the calorimeter should therefore be accounted.
 VIII. REFERENCES

http://cartwright.chem.ox.ac.uk/tlab/experiments/201.pdf

http://web.williams.edu/wp-
etc/chemistry/epeacock/EPL_CHEM_366/366_LAB_WEB/Expt_2_Bomb.pdf

http://www.chem.hope.edu/~polik/Chem345-
1997/calorimetry/bombcalorimetry1.html

http://www.csun.edu/~jeloranta/CHEM351L/experiment1.pdf

http://www.science.uwaterloo.ca/~cchieh/cact/c120/calorimetry.html

Prepared by:

STEPHEN G. ABELADA Group No.: 1

BS ChE V Section No.: 2

Evaluated by:
ENGR. JOHN MARVIN C. MALONES
Instructor

Comments:

Rating: