A Calorimeter is an equipment used to measure the heat generated during chemical reactions or physical changes. It is also used to measure the heat capacity and widely used in calorimetry. Constant-volume calorimeter is the most common device used in this science.

Process
A simple calorimeter measures the temperature of the substances before and after the reaction. The temperature change is then multiplied by the mass and the specific heat capacities of the substances / liquids, is used to obtain the value of the energy generated or given off during the reaction. It is also used to measure the heat flow of a chemical reaction or physical change.

Types of Calorimeters

• Constant-Volume Calorimeter: The most common type, the device allows a chemical reaction within a rigid vessel and does not result in any volume change.
• Constant Pressure Calorimeter: This device measures the change of heat in a reaction occurring in a solution; the atmospheric pressure in such a reaction remains constant.
• Bomb Calorimeter: It is a kind of constant volume calorimeter, which is designed to withstand the pressure and extreme force of explosive reactions and also does not result in any volume change.
• Differential Scanning Calorimeter: The device measures the heat flow into a sample, which is generally kept in an aluminium pan. It is measured differentially by comparing the flow into an empty pan.

Use of Calorimeter
Kinds of calorimeters are used in different industries depending on the application. Some of the filed where these instruments find use are:

• Meteorology
• Particle Physics
• Aeronautics
• Nuclear Power
• Pharmaceuticals
• Industrial Chemicals