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Prescribed practical C3 - Temperature changes during a reaction

An acid will usually release heat when it reacts.

Reaction of acids that produce heat

In this reaction we are going to react an acid with an alkali and measure the temperature change during the reaction.

The acid will react to produce a salt and water – no gas is produced. Also, in this reaction there is no colour change. However, the pH will change – you could measure this as described in the previous reaction.

Apparatus and chemicals

  • Polystyrene cup and lid
  • 250 cm3 beaker
  • Thermometer
  • Measuring cylinder (25cm3)
  • 1 mol/dm3 HCl (25cm3)
  • 1 mol/dm3 NaOH (25cm3)