Which property of water makes it an effective medium for heat exchange in calorimetry experiments?

• A. Low density
• B. High specific heat capacity
• C. High viscosity
• D. Low boiling point

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in calorimetry, the goal is to measure heat transfer between substances, so the medium used should absorb or release heat without large temperature changes.
2. Recall that specific heat capacity is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of a substance by 1 degree Celsius, which determines how much heat a substance can store.
3. Recognize that water has a high specific heat capacity compared to many other substances, meaning it can absorb or release a lot of heat with only a small change in temperature.
4. Consider why other properties like low density, high viscosity, or low boiling point are less relevant for heat exchange efficiency in calorimetry.
5. Conclude that water's high specific heat capacity makes it an effective medium for heat exchange because it stabilizes temperature changes during the experiment, improving accuracy.