A scientist is trying to determine if a reaction is endothermic or exothermic and measure how much energy is absorbed or given off. The scientist plans to perform the reaction in a vacuum chamber to control the experiment as much as possible and to prevent other variables from impacting the reaction. A vacuum chamber is an enclosed container with all air removed. Is this a valid approach? Why or why not? In three to five sentences, explain your reasoning.(4 points)
This is not a valid approach because the absence of air in the vacuum chamber will not impact the endothermic or exothermic nature of the reaction. The reaction will still release or absorb energy regardless of the presence of air. The vacuum chamber may help control other variables such as pressure, but it will not provide any additional information on the energy changes in the reaction. Other methods such as measuring temperature changes or using a calorimeter would be more suitable for determining the energy changes in the reaction.
