Question

Why is a calorimeter box made up of Copper?

• A. As copper is not malleable and is a poor conductor of heat
• B. To avoid loss of heat by conduction and radiation
• C. As copper has very high SHC and is highly malleable
• D. As copper has very low SHC and is highly malleable
• E. As copper has very low SHC and is a poor conductor of heat

Answer 1

The correct option is D

As copper has very low SHC and is highly malleable

A calorimeter box is made up of Copper because

i) Cu has low SHC & thus it reaches the equilibrium temperature quickly by absorbing a small amount of heat.

ii) Cu is highly malleable & hence a very thin box of small mass can be made thus decreasing the heat capacity of the box. This makes sure calorimeter absorbs or liberates a small amount of heat during the heat exchange.

iii) Cu is a good conductor of heat.