Enthalpy & Calorimetry Investigations for H2 Chemistry Paper 4

Name: Eclat Institute Clementi Campus
Address: 442 Clementi Ave 3, #01-105, Singapore, 120442, SG

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28 Oct 2025, 00:00 Z

Q: What does Enthalpy & Calorimetry Investigations for H2 Chemistry Paper 4 cover?
A: A step-by-step thermochemistry routine for Paper 4-planning insulation, logging temperature data with probes, linearising cooling curves, and writing ACE commentary that meets SEAB’s 2026 assessment expectations.

TL;DR
Paper 4 lasts 2 h 30 min, carries 55 marks, and contributes 20 % of the H2 Chemistry (9729) grade (Planning 5 %; MMO/PDO/ACE 15 % combined). Thermochemistry investigations (solution, neutralisation, combustion, thermometric titration) are explicitly listed in SEAB’s 2026 practical scope.
Calibrate probes, insulate reaction vessels, capture temperature-time data for extrapolated ΔT, and automate $q = mc\Delta T$ calculations so ACE discussion focuses on heat losses, assumptions, and realistic refinements.

Status: SEAB H2 Chemistry (9729, first exam 2026) syllabus last checked 2025-11-29 (PDF last modified 2024-07-17). Paper 4 remains 2 h 30 min, 55 marks, weighted at 20 % with Planning at 5 % and MMO/PDO/ACE at 15 % combined.[1]

1 | Why thermochemistry stays in rotation

SEAB’s H2 Chemistry (9729) 2026 syllabus[1] sets Paper 4 as a 2 h 30 min, 55-mark practical (20 % of the grade) assessing Planning (P), MMO, PDO, and ACE, and highlights thermochemistry/thermometric titration as core exposure areas.
Candidates often see solution/neutralisation calorimetry, dissolution enthalpy, combustion surrogates (spirit burner or copper calorimeter), or Hess’ Law cycles with temperature data.
Each scenario tests: insulation planning, precise temperature measurement, quick spreadsheet processing, and evaluation of heat losses plus assumption limits (constant specific heat, negligible calorimeter heat capacity).

Step	Good practice	Purpose
Probe/thermometer calibration	Run ice-water (0 °C) and boiling-water $≈100 ^{\circ}C$ checks; record offsets in the logbook.	Documents instrument accuracy for ACE discussion.
Insulation setup	Nest two polystyrene cups, add lid with probe slot, surround with foam mat or lab towel.	Reduces heat exchange with surroundings.
Baseline logging	Start recording 1–2 minutes before mixing; stir gently to reach equilibrium.	Confirms starting temperature stability.
Mixing and timing	Add reagents quickly, replace lid immediately, stir at constant rate.	Minimises exposure; ensures uniform temperature distribution.
Continuous recording	Capture readings every 1–2 s until temperature peaks then returns toward ambient.	Provides data for Newton’s Law extrapolation.
Post-run checks	Rinse probe, inspect for spills, and note any evaporation or splashing.	Supports MMO marks and later evaluation.

Enthalpy & Calorimetry Investigations for H2 Chemistry Paper 4

1 | Why thermochemistry stays in rotation

2 | Planning for controlled energy transfers

3 | MMO routines for reliable temperature capture

4 | Spreadsheet analysis and cooling-curve linearisation

5 | Worked neutralisation sequence (example)

6 | ACE commentary checklist

7 | Rapid readiness audit

8 | Next actions

9 | References

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