In a bomb calorimetry experiment, where does most of the heat generated by the reaction ultimately end up?

• A. In the air outside the calorimeter
• B. In the reactants inside the bomb
• C. In the water surrounding the bomb
• D. In the metal walls of the bomb only

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the setup of a bomb calorimeter: it consists of a sealed 'bomb' where the reaction occurs, surrounded by a water bath and often enclosed in a metal container.
2. Recognize that the reaction inside the bomb releases heat, which cannot escape to the air outside because the bomb is insulated and sealed.
3. Identify that the heat generated by the reaction is transferred from the reactants inside the bomb to the metal walls of the bomb through conduction.
4. Know that the metal walls then transfer this heat to the surrounding water, which acts as a heat reservoir and absorbs most of the heat.
5. Conclude that most of the heat generated by the reaction ultimately ends up in the water surrounding the bomb, which is why temperature changes in the water are measured to determine the heat of the reaction.