CSEC Chemistry · January 2012 · Paper 2 · Question 1(a)(iv)

Students conducted Experiment 1 to determine the heat of neutralization for the reaction between sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. The procedure involved measuring 25 cm³ of dilute sodium hydroxide into a styrofoam cup and 25 cm³ of sulfuric acid into a burette. Both solutions were left to reach room temperature before recording their initial temperatures. Sulfuric acid was added to the sodium hydroxide solution 3 cm³ at a time, with the mixture stirred after each addition, and the maximum temperature recorded in Table 1.

Given that the difference in temperature from the start of the reaction to the point of neutralization is 18 °C, calculate the heat change at the point of neutralization for the reaction between sodium hydroxide and sulphuric acid. [The specific heat capacity of the solution is 4.2 kJ kg⁻¹ K⁻¹. Assume that the density of the solution is 1g cm⁻³, ΔH = m × c × ΔT.]

This question uses a figure or table from the paper — you'll see it when you practise.