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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2008  > January  >
In the Laboratory
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
Cover
January 2008
Vol. 85 No. 1
p. 109
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.
Supplement
Instructor notes, student handouts, fact sheet on thermal analysis, summary of all experimentally determined data in both a low temperature and high temperature mode, and safety precautions using the DSC are available.
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Citation
D'Amelia, Ronald P.; Stracuzzi, Vincent; Nirode, William F. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 109.
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Keywords
Calorimetry / Thermochemistry; First-Year Undergraduate / General; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Heat Capacity; Instrumental Methods; Laboratory Instruction; Physical Chemistry; Thermal Analysis
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
12/4/2007
12/12/2007
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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2008  > January  > Page 109


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