Measure the volume of acid and base used
Measure the initial temperature of both solutions
Mix the acid and base in a calorimeter
Stir the mixture and record the highest final temperature
Calculate the temperature change: ΔT = final temperature − initial temperature
Calculate the mass of the solution: mass = total volume × density
Use the specific heat capacity of the solution, usually 4.18 J g⁻¹ °C⁻¹
Calculate the heat released or absorbed: q = mass × specific heat capacity × ΔT
Convert q to kJ if needed
Calculate moles of water formed or moles of limiting reagent
Calculate heat of neutralization per mole: ΔH = −q / moles
Report the result in kJ mol⁻¹