[jsmith793]

We did a reaction between KOH and Water, found it to be exothermic and found the amount of heat given off, etc. Another question asked if the mass was halved, what effect this would have on the change in temperature, and then what effect this would have on the amount of heat given off (q).  I know that it would change the amount of heat given off, but can't figure out if the temperature would change as well.

[Astrokel]

i think yes. Q is proportional to delta T?

[jsmith793]

Q is proportional to delta T (which also incorporates mass) therefore a change in mass will change the amount of heat given off, but i'm not sure if just a change in mass will change the temperature change.

[Astrokel]

if there is a change in heat given out due to a change in mass, then the temperature will definitely change since the internal energy of the system is affected.

[sjb]

Perhaps think of it this way. If you're adding less of the stuff that makes the temperature go up (it sounds like you're adding solid KOH to H₂O, right?) then in simplistic terms how can the temperature go as high?