Introduction of Differential Scanning Calorimetry in a General Chemistry Laboratory Course: Determination of Heat Capacity of Metals and Demonstration of the Law of Dulong and Petit

Ronald P. D'Amelia , Vincent Stracuzzi and William F. Nirode
Department of Chemistry, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549-0151
J. Chem. Educ., 2008, 85 (1), p 109
DOI: 10.1021/ed085p109
Publication Date (Web): January 1, 2008

Abstract

Today's general chemistry students are introduced to many of the principles and concepts of thermodynamics. In first-year general chemistry undergraduate courses, thermodynamic properties such as heat capacity are frequently discussed. Classical calorimetric methods of analysis and thermal equilibrium experiments are used to determine heat capacities of unknown substances. Instrumental techniques that can routinely and easily be used for thermodynamic determinations are rarely mentioned or implemented in general chemistry. Today, it has become increasingly important to incorporate more modern techniques and instrumentation into the general chemistry curriculum to provide a more hands-on and applicable learning environment for the students. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is a rugged, easy-to-use instrumental method for thermodynamic determinations. DSC has become more commonly used in the chemistry curriculum, finding its way into physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, and even in some general chemistry courses. The work described herein discusses the use of DSC in a general chemistry laboratory course to determine the specific heat capacities of metals and introduce the empirical law of Dulong and Petit.

Keywords:

First-Year Undergraduate / General

Keywords:

Physical Chemistry

Keywords:

Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives

Keywords:

Calorimetry / Thermochemistry
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  • Received: August 03, 2009

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