Note on Temperature Correction Methods in Calorimetry

Abstract

The problem of correcting calorimetric data for thermal leakage has been discussed by King and Grover in a recent paper in this Journal. From their analysis of the problem these authors have concluded that large errors are involved in the usual methods of correcting the data of bomb‐calorimetric measurements, and of experiments by the method of mixtures. In the present note it is shown, in agreement with W. P. White's treatment of calorimetric lag, that in the case of bomb‐calorimetric measurements the errors in question are practically completely eliminated by calibrating the calorimeter experimentally. Since experimental calibration of the calorimeter is the usual practice in modern bomb‐calorimetric measurements, the results of such measurements are not affected by the errors discussed by King and Grover. In the case of measurements by the method of mixtures these errors can be avoided by so conducting the experiment that the final temperature of the calorimeter will be very near the convergence temperature.