What is the purpose of using a thin sheet of copper in the construction of a calorimeter?
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Solution
Calorimeter:
A calorimeter is a device that determines how much heat is transported to or from an item.
Copper is quite flexible, thus it's possible to make a very thin box with a modest mass.
Copper is an excellent heat conductor.
Calorimetry is a technique for determining how much heat is generated or absorbed during a chemical reaction.
The calorimeter is made up of Copper Box because of:
has a low specific heat capacity, therefore it can quickly attain equilibrium by absorbing a modest quantity of heat.
is very malleable, therefore a very thin box with a little mass may be created, lowering the box's heat capacity. This ensures that throughout the heat exchange, the calorimeter absorbs or releases a little quantity of heat.