Does temperature affect mass in chemistry

In summary, the conversation discusses the reasons for letting a substance cool from a chemistry perspective. The discussion mentions how temperature can affect the measurement of mass and how cooling can prevent the sample from reabsorbing water.
  • #1
TheShapeOfTime
I asked this question in the physics general forum and didn't get a solid answer. They say temperature won't really matter here, so what would be a reason to let the substance cool, from a chemistry point of view?
 
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  • #2
TheShapeOfTime said:
I asked this question in the physics general forum and didn't get a solid answer. They say temperature won't really matter here, so what would be a reason to let the substance cool, from a chemistry point of view?

Hi,
Don´t get surprised about it.

It´s just a problem of convection flux in air. If the sample is hot, the air surrounding it is warmed and it starts going upwards. Due to the non-zero viscosity of the air this can lead into an ascending force in the sample, altering the measure.
 
  • #3
Temperature does not affect mass but it does effect the instrument measuring mass. Analytical balances are calibrated at room temperature.
 
  • #4
Perhaps in your case the reason is to avoid the sample reabsorbing water (hot things that are getting cooled tend to absorb water). And you´re working with an higroscopic salt, so the cooling must be done in dry atmosphere before measuring.
 
  • #5
Thanks for your replies!
 

FAQ: Does temperature affect mass in chemistry

How does temperature affect mass in chemistry?

Temperature can affect mass in chemistry in a few different ways. One way is through thermal expansion, where an increase in temperature can cause an increase in the volume of a substance, leading to a change in its mass. Another way is through changes in the state of matter, such as melting or boiling, which can also result in a change in mass.

Does temperature affect the mass of a substance in a chemical reaction?

Yes, temperature can affect the mass of a substance in a chemical reaction. This is because some chemical reactions involve the release or absorption of heat, which can lead to changes in the mass of the substances involved. Additionally, changes in temperature can also affect the rate of a chemical reaction, which can impact the final mass of the products.

Is there a specific temperature at which mass is affected in chemistry?

There is no specific temperature at which mass is universally affected in chemistry. The impact of temperature on mass will depend on the specific substances and conditions involved in a chemical system. The effect of temperature on mass can vary greatly, from negligible to significant, depending on the situation.

How does temperature affect the accuracy of mass measurements in chemistry?

Temperature can have an impact on the accuracy of mass measurements in chemistry. When measuring the mass of a substance at a specific temperature, it is important to account for the effects of thermal expansion. This can be done by using instruments that are calibrated to the appropriate temperature or by performing corrections based on the known thermal expansion coefficient of the substance being measured.

Can changes in temperature affect the mass of an isolated system in chemistry?

Yes, changes in temperature can affect the mass of an isolated system in chemistry. This is because the total mass of an isolated system is constant, but the individual masses of the components within the system can change due to temperature-induced changes, such as thermal expansion or changes in state. However, the overall mass of the isolated system will remain the same.

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