A calorimeter constant is a constant that quantifies the heat capacity of a calorimeter. It may be calculated by applying a known amount of heat to the calorimeter and measuring the calorimeter's corresponding change in temperature.
What does a calorimeter constant represent?
The calibration gives you a number called the calorimeter constant. It's the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of the calorimeter by 1 degree Celsius. Once you know this constant, you can use the calorimeter to measure the specific heat of other materials.
What is the calorimeter constant of water?
Determine a Calorimeter Constant II
Calculate the heat capacity of the calorimeter. (The specific heat capacity of water is 4.184 J g¯1 °C¯1).
