Chemical Thermodynamics : Endothermic and Exothermic Reactions

Explore two different chemical reactions and determine which is exothermic and which is endothermic.

Lab Summary:

In this activity, students will use a temperature sensor to investigate exothermic and endothermic chemical reactions.

Download Free Lab  (PDF, 336 KB)

(student version)

Method:

Use a Temperature Sensor to measure the temperature change during an exothermic and an endothermic reaction.

Here's What You Need:

Probeware

• PASPORT Temperature Sensor (PS-2125)
• Xplorer GLX Graphing Datalogger (PS-2002)
  (or alternate PASPORT interface -- see other options)

Other Materials

• Beaker, 250 mL
• Foam cup (to fit in beaker)
• Graduated cylinder, 100-mL
• 0.5 M hydrochloric acid, HCl
• Magnesium metal strip, 0.5 by 2 cm
• Spatula or scoop
• Steel wool
• Water, distilled
• Weighing paper
• Sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO₃
• 1.5 M citric acid, C₆H₈O₇

Lab Manual:

This activity is included in Explorations in Chemistry (PS-2808), complete with Teacher Information pages, student instructions and handouts, and sample data for a total of 25 probeware-based labs. For your convenience, we offer bundles which provide the probeware necessary for the activities in the manual. For more information on these resources and bundles, click here.