Chemical Thermodynamics : Heat of Fusion and Vaporization

Determine how much heat energy is required to melt a given amount of ice, and determine how much heat energy is needed to vaporize the same amount of water.

Lab Summary:

In this two-part activity, students will use a temperature sensor to measure temperature differences as water undergoes consecutive phase changes. First, students will melt a sample of ice and use the temperature data to calculate the heat of fusion for water. Second, students will use a simple steam generator to boil water and use temperature data to calculate water's heat of vaporization.

Download Free Lab  (PDF, 664 KB)

(student version)

Method:

Use the Temperature Sensor to measure temperature differences as water undergoes consecutive phase changes. First, melt a sample of ice and use the temperature data to calculate the heat of fusion for water. Second, use a simple steam generator to boil water and use temperature
data to calculate water’s heat of vaporization.

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

• Small Tripod Base & Rod (SE-9451)
• Buret Clamp (SE-9446)
• Balance (SE-8756A)
• Hot plate
• Beaker, 250 mL
• Calorimeter (foam cup)
• Graduated cylinder, 100 mL
• Hot-vessel gripping device
• Tongs
• Stirring rod
• Erlenmeyer flask, 250 mL
• Rubber stopper, one-hole (fit in flask)
• Glass and rubber tubing
• Ice, cubes
• Water

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.