Calorimetry Lab

This lab will determine the effect of temperature on the volume of gas when the pressure is constant. Charles’ law states that the volume of a fixed amount of a gas at a constant pressure is directly proportional its absolute temperature. The equation for this is V=bT; V is volume, T is temperature, and b is a proportionality constant. The experiment proves that Charles law works. As the temperature rises, the volume does as well and as the temperature decreases the volume decreases as well.
Procedure
Step 1: Obtain a gas syringe and set the volume to 20mL
Step2: Obtain a thermometer and record the temperature of the gas syringe.
Trial A: Record the volume and temperature of the gas.
Trial B: Obtain a 250mL beaker, add 200mL of ice water, …show more content…

Record the volume and temperature of the syringe
Trial C: Remove the syringe from the beaker and empty the beaker
1. Add the thermometer to the beaker, then add 100mL of ice water and 100mL of room temperature to the beaker
2. Record the temperature
3. Place the syringe in the beaker and allow for the temperature in the syringe to reach the same temperature as the water in the beaker
4. Record the volume and temperature of the syringe
Trial D: Remove the syringe from the beaker and empty the water from the beaker
1. Add the thermometer in the beaker, then add 100mL of room temperature water into the beaker
2. Obtain a Bunsen burner and place it underneath the beaker of water
3. Heat the water until the temperature of the water reaches 100 degrees Celsius
4. Add another 100mL of room temperature water to the beaker, then remove the Bunsen burner
5. Place the syringe in the beaker and allow for the temperature too reach the same temperature as the water in the beaker
6. Record the volume and temperature of the syringe
Trial E: Remove the syringe from the beaker and empty the water from the beaker
1. Add the thermometer to the beaker, then add 200mL of room temperature water to the …show more content…

Discussion
One if the major findings from this experiment is that Charles’ law is accurate. As the temperature of the water increased, the volume of the gas also increased. As the temperature on the thermometer increased, the volume on the syringe visibly increased as well. When the temperature of the water was decreased, the volume of the gas also decreased. As the temperature on the thermometer decreased, the volume on the syringe can be seen decreasing. The experimental values and calculated values of the volume were very close. They were slightly above or below the experimental volumes by a few decimal points. In an actual laboratory, the experimenter would need to wear goggles, gloves, lab coat, and fire extinguisher in case fire from the Bunsen burner. Any items or equipment that is not needed for the experiment should be put away, especially flammable items, to reduce the chance of a fire. There will also need to be a fire blanket to protect the experimenter if they come in physical contact with the fire.