Labster has new learning content. Click here to learn more.
Login:
Time to complete course: 20 min.
Need help? Visit our Help Center.
Access 160+ virtual learning simulations
Discover which Labster plan is right for your institution
About Calorimetry: Using a bomb calorimeter (NEW) Virtual Lab Simulation
This short, targeted simulation is adapted from the full-length “Basic Chemistry Thermodynamics” simulation.
Energy is one of the great subject matters of our time, but what is energy actually? In this simulation you will learn about the thermodynamic concept enthalpy and the first law of thermodynamics. You will also determine the internal energy of a chemical compound by using bomb calorimetry, and you’ll even travel inside the calorimeter to see it in action.
The challenge of storing energy
What is the best way to store energy? There is no simple answer, but in this simulation, you will be encouraged to give it some thought while learning about the very nature of energy and how it connects to chemical reactions. You will assess whether the gasoline component octane is a suitable chemical for energy storage by using a bomb calorimeter.
The fundamental concepts of thermodynamics
The first law of thermodynamics and the concept of enthalpy are introduced in this simulation. You will have access to a state-of-the-art bomb calorimeter. Travel inside to see the calorimeter to see it in action and understand how it works. From here, the concept of chemical bond energy is linked to the thermodynamic calculations of enthalpy on the calorimeter output. Discuss the total heat capacity, enthalpy, and internal energy of octane. Compare the energy densities of various fuels to discover the best fuel for energy storage.
Combine theory and practice
Throughout the simulation you will combine the fundamental teachings of thermodynamics with the experimental results from the calorimeter. Will you be able to suggest a solution for the energy storage challenge?
Get Started Now
Apply the technique of bomb calorimetry to help solve the challenge of storing renewable energy. Learn about the first law of thermodynamics, enthalpy, and internal energy.
Techniques in Lab
Calorimetry
Learning Objectives
- Understand the basic steps and critical points of performing a calorimetry experiment
- Define the thermodynamics concept of enthalpy and its units
- Explain the first law of thermodynamics
- Understand the relationship between internal energy and enthalpy
Simulation Features
Length – 20 minutes
Accessibility mode – Available
Languages – English
Examples of Related Standards
University
Chemistry related 1st and 2nd year
NGSS
HS-PS3-1, HS-PS3-2, HS-PS3-3, HS-PS3-4, HS-PS2-1, HS-PS2-2, PS3.B-H2
IB
Chemistry 5.1 Measuring energy changes
AP
Chemistry 6.4 Heat capacity and calorimetry
Screenshots of Calorimetry: Using a bomb calorimeter (NEW) Virtual Lab Simulation
How it works
A million dollar lab in your browser
Perform experiments in virtual lab simulations to achieve core science learning outcomes.
All our simulations run on laptop and desktop computers, and you can play our simulations without having to install any browser plugins.
Hundreds of hours of science learning content
Our virtual laboratory simulations are aimed at university, college and high school level, within fields such as biology, biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology, chemistry, physics and more.
With access to our simulations, you will have hundreds of hours of engaging, high-quality learning content available to you.
Discover more Virtual Lab Simulations
We currently have 200 simulations that cover everything from biology and medicine to physics and chemistry.
