Bombkalorimeeter

A bomb calorimeter is a type of constant-volume calorimeter used to measure the heat of combustion or similar reactions. It operates by burning a sample of the substance in an oxygen-rich atmosphere within a sealed container, known as the "bomb." The bomb is submerged in a known quantity of water, and the temperature change of the water is measured.

The process begins with placing a precisely weighed sample inside the bomb along with a measured amount of oxygen. The bomb is then sealed and placed in the calorimeter vessel, which contains a known volume of water. An ignition wire is used to initiate the combustion of the sample. As the sample burns, it releases heat, which is transferred to the surrounding water. The increase in the water's temperature is recorded.

By knowing the mass of the water, its specific heat capacity, and the measured temperature change, the total amount of heat released by the combustion can be calculated. Corrections are often applied to account for the heat absorbed by the bomb itself and any other components within the calorimeter. The bomb calorimeter is a crucial tool in various scientific fields, including chemistry, materials science, and food science, for determining the energy content of fuels, food products, and other materials. Its design allows for accurate measurement of exothermic reactions under controlled, constant-volume conditions.