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QPage 46: Q3: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 Calorimetry Page 46: Q3 Solution: A calorimeter is kept in a wooden box to insulate it thermally…

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Students often think the wooden box is just a protective cover, but it is essential to prevent heat exchange with the surroundings. If heat leaks, the calorimeter’s heat balance $q_{ ext{system}} = q_{ ext{reaction}}$ is violated, leading to an incorrect specific heat calculation.

A calorimeter is kept in a wooden box to insulate it thermally from the surroundings. Why is it necessary?

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**Answer:** A calorimeter is kept in a wooden box to insulate it thermally from the surroundings because in order to determine the specific heat capacity, the total heat transferred must be known. Heat must not be exchanged with the surroundings, otherwise the principle of calorimeter would not stand valid.[citation:1][citation:13]

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