What does calorimetry measure?

Calorimetry is a scientific technique specifically designed to measure the heat flow associated with physical changes or chemical reactions. It quantifies the energy transfer that occurs as heat flows between substances or during a transformation. This is essential in various fields, including thermodynamics, chemistry, and biology, as it helps scientists understand how heat influences reactions and changes in state.

For instance, in a calorimetric experiment, the energy released or absorbed during a reaction can be measured, allowing researchers to calculate enthalpy changes. This focusing on heat transfer makes it clear that calorimetry is fundamentally linked to measuring heat flow rather than simply changes in temperature, variations in pressure, or concentrations of chemicals.