Quick Answer: The Copper Calorimetry Instrument is a copper calorimeter vessel used in school and college physics to measure heat exchanged when hot and cold substances are mixed. Copper is chosen because it conducts heat quickly and has a low, well-known specific heat capacity, so the vessel reaches the temperature of its contents fast and absorbs little of the heat.
The Method of Mixtures in a Copper Vessel
Calorimetry rests on one balance sheet: heat lost by the hot body equals heat gained by the cold water and the vessel holding it, provided little escapes to the surroundings. In a typical experiment, a metal sample is heated in boiling water, transferred quickly into a known mass of cold water in the copper calorimetry instrument, and the mixture stirred until the temperature stops rising. From the masses and temperature changes, students calculate the specific heat capacity of the sample.
The vessel itself takes part in the exchange, so its heat capacity has to be included. Physics texts call this the water equivalent: the mass of water that would absorb the same heat as the calorimeter for the same temperature rise. Because copper’s specific heat capacity is low, about 385 J per kg per kelvin compared with 4,186 for water, this correction is small but not negligible, and weighing the empty vessel is always the first reading.
Heat loss is the main source of error. A polished outer surface radiates poorly, an insulating jacket or box with a lid cuts conduction and convection, and starting slightly below room temperature so the final reading ends slightly above it helps losses cancel. Versions with the insulation built in, such as the Calorimeter Copper with Wooden Box and Stirrer, suit classes that do not already have jackets.
Experiments
- Specific heat capacity of a solid, such as a metal sample, by the method of mixtures
- Specific heat capacity of a liquid by mixing or by electrical heating
- Specific latent heat of fusion of ice
- Finding the water equivalent of the calorimeter itself
- Newton’s law of cooling, recording temperature as hot water cools
Specifications
| Item | Calorimeter vessel for heat-exchange experiments |
| Material | Copper |
| Copper specific heat (general value) | About 385 J/(kg K) |
| Used with | Thermometer, stirrer, insulating jacket or box, balance |
| Capacity, stirrer and lid supplied | Confirm at enquiry |
Care & Handling
- Dry the copper calorimetry instrument inside and out after every experiment; trapped water leaves marks and tarnish.
- Restore a dull surface with a mild metal polish, since a bright finish radiates less heat and improves results.
- Avoid dents; a deformed vessel no longer fits its jacket or lid closely.
- Never heat the empty vessel directly on a flame.
Why Choose LabEquip
Physics departments generally keep one calorimeter per bench for heat practicals, and this copper vessel is basic physics lab equipment for that work. LabEquip lists it with its General Items; send your quantities through the contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are calorimeters made of copper?
Copper conducts heat very well, so the vessel quickly reaches the same temperature as its contents. It also has a low specific heat capacity, so it absorbs only a small, easily calculated share of the heat being measured.
What is the water equivalent of a calorimeter?
It is the mass of water that would absorb the same heat as the calorimeter for a given temperature rise. For a copper vessel, multiply its mass by the ratio of copper’s specific heat to water’s, roughly 0.092, and add the result to the water mass in calculations.
How do I find the specific heat capacity of a metal with it?
Heat the metal in boiling water, note its temperature, then transfer it quickly into weighed cold water in the calorimeter. Stir and record the highest temperature. Equate heat lost by the metal to heat gained by the water and vessel, and solve.
How can heat losses be reduced?
Polish the vessel, stand it in an insulating jacket or box with a lid, stir steadily and take the final reading promptly. Starting a few degrees below room temperature and finishing a few above helps gains and losses cancel.
How is the latent heat of fusion of ice measured?
Add dried ice at 0 degrees C to warm water in the calorimeter and stir until it melts. The heat lost by the water and vessel equals the heat to melt the ice plus the heat to warm the meltwater to the final temperature.
Why does the vessel need to be kept shiny?
A bright metal surface is a poor emitter of thermal radiation, so less heat escapes during the experiment. A tarnished, dark surface radiates more and makes the measured values less reliable.
Last Updated: September 2026
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