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Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: coutinho_fan on June 03, 2018, 12:23:32 PM

Title: Negative Temperature from Calorimeter
Post by: coutinho_fan on June 03, 2018, 12:23:32 PM

What are the main reasons for receiving a negative temperature from a calorimeter? I recently did an experiment with HCl and Sodium Bicarbonate but the temperature went down, which is not expected as the reaction should be exothermic. This result was not always occuring, but occasionally a negative temperature was obtained. I now need to explain this in my report but I am unsure the true reason. I believe it has something to do with either cleaning properly or the mixing method but I am not entirely sure.

Title: Re: Negative Temperature from Calorimeter
Post by: Borek on June 03, 2018, 01:52:52 PM

What do you mean by "negative temperature"? ΔT lower than zero? That's a negative change, not a negative temperature.

Still incorrect though, but I can't think of anything other than thermometer malfunction or some serious operator error.

Title: Re: Negative Temperature from Calorimeter
Post by: P on June 19, 2018, 06:55:12 AM

Quote from: coutinho_fan on June 03, 2018, 12:23:32 PM

What are the main reasons for receiving a negative temperature from a calorimeter?

Is the reaction endothermic?