Coffee cup calorimetry.

What are the Limitations of 'coffee cup' calorimetry experiments?

• Answer:

  The primary limit of calorimetry experiments is keeping the system closed. The heat energy that the experiment is trying to capture can easily be lost to the environment and then be immeasurable. Most high grade calorimetry experiments employ advanced bomb calorimeters that ensure complete combustion of the sample. They also use a large amount of water as a heat sink with plenty of insulation to keep the energy from getting out. A stir rod keeps the temperature of the water homogeneous and ensures accurate results