Calorimetry – Mixing Two Liquids

Calorimetry measures the heat exchanged when substances at different temperatures are mixed in an insulated container. The simulation uses the energy balance m1 c1 (T1‑Tf) = (m2 c2 + W)(Tf‑T2) to calculate the equilibrium temperature, illustrating the principle that heat lost by the hot liquid equals heat gained by the cold liquid and the calorimeter.

Students can set the mass, specific heat and initial temperature of each liquid and the water‑equivalent of the calorimeter with sliders, then press Pour and Stir (or use keys P and S). The liquids are visualised as layers that blend, and a colour map shows temperature changes. The thermometer displays the final temperature computed by the simulation.

By varying the parameters, learners observe how mass, specific heat capacity and the calorimeter’s heat capacity affect the final temperature, reinforcing concepts of heat transfer, specific heat, and conservation of energy.