Bomb calorimeter

Bomb Calorimeter

A bomb calorimeter is a type of calorimeter used in thermochemistry to measure the heat of combustion of a particular reaction. Named after the high pressure resistant structure, the bomb calorimeter operates in a manner similar to a pressure cooker.

Design and Function

The bomb calorimeter consists of a small cup to contain the sample, oxygen, a stainless steel bomb, water, a stirrer, a thermometer, and an ignition unit. The sample is placed in the cup, and the bomb is filled with oxygen. The bomb, containing the sample and oxygen, is then placed in water. The ignition unit ignites the sample, and the resulting combustion reaction heats the water. The temperature change in the water is then used to calculate the heat of combustion of the sample.

Calculations

The heat of combustion is typically calculated using the formula:

Q = C * ΔT

where Q is the heat of combustion, C is the heat capacity of the calorimeter, and ΔT is the change in temperature. The heat capacity of the calorimeter is determined through calibration with a substance of known heat of combustion.

Applications

Bomb calorimeters are used in a wide range of applications, from testing the heat of combustion of fuels to determining the caloric content of food. In the petroleum industry, bomb calorimeters are used to determine the heat of combustion of new or existing products. In the food industry, they are used to determine the caloric content of food products.

See Also

• Calorimetry
• Heat of combustion
• Thermochemistry