Thermochemistry to the Rescue: A Novel Calorimetry Experiment for General Chemistry

A novel calorimetry experiment that (i) provides “real-world” connections, (ii) assists students in learning thermochemistry, and (iii) uses equipment commonly found in an undergraduate general chemistry laboratory was implemented at our institution. Ultimately, students design a custom heat pack to treat the frostbitten hand of an Alaskan pipeline maintenance worker. First, students measure and use the specific heat of Vienna sausage to approximate the hand’s specific heat. Students obtained a mean specific heat of 3.1 ± 0.5 J g−1 °C−1 for Vienna sausage, which compares favorably with generally accepted values for the human body’s specific heat. Second, students qualitatively determine heats of salt dissolution and identify a salt for their heat pack. Next, students quantitatively determine their chosen salt’s heat of dissolution. Finally, using the Vienna sausage’s specific heat, students estimate the heat required to raise the temperature of the hand from 15 °C (frostbite risk) to 37 °C, calculate the ...