bomb calorimeter

measurement device

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Last updated

June 23, 2026

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A bomb calorimeter is a device used to measure the heat released during a chemical reaction, such as combustion. It consists of a sealed steel container, known as a bomb, where the reaction occurs. This bomb is submerged in a liquid, typically water, within an insulated bucket.1

When a material inside the bomb undergoes combustion, the heat generated is absorbed by the surrounding water, causing its temperature to rise. By measuring this temperature increase and knowing the properties of the water and the calorimeter, scientists can accurately calculate the total amount of heat produced by the reaction. This method is crucial for determining the heat of reaction and is highly precise, with results reproducible within 0.01 percent.1

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calorimeter
…in widespread use, called a bomb calorimeter, basically consists of an enclosure in which the reaction takes place, surrounded by a liquid, such as water, that absorbs the heat of the reaction and thus increases in temperature. Measurement of this temperature rise and a knowledge of the weight and heat…
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…in widespread use, called a bomb calorimeter, basically consists of an enclosure in which the reaction takes place, surrounded by a liquid, such as water, that absorbs the heat of the reaction and thus increases in temperature. Measurement of this temperature rise and a knowledge of the weight and heat…
Read More