Measure the initial temperature of the acid and base solutions
Mix a known volume and concentration of the acid and base in a calorimeter
Record the highest temperature reached after mixing
Calculate the temperature change, ΔT = final temperature − initial temperature
Find the total mass of the solution, assuming density ≈ 1 g/mL if needed
Calculate heat absorbed by the solution using q = m c ΔT
Use c = 4.18 J g⁻¹ °C⁻¹ for aqueous solutions if appropriate
Determine the heat released by the neutralization reaction as qreaction = −qsolution
Calculate moles of water formed from the limiting reactant
Find enthalpy of neutralization using ΔHneut = qreaction / moles of water formed
Convert the result to kJ mol⁻¹ if needed
Report the enthalpy of neutralization with the correct sign and units