[jubba]

I did calorimetry at school recently. But i had significant heat loss. I used polystyrene cups to minimise heat loss.

Is there anything else within reason that i could do?

Or better still can i somehow calculate the heat lost over a certain time using a formula.

Thanks :1eye:

[sdekivit]

heat loss can be calculated by Q = c * m * delta T.

[xiankai]

have u covered the calorimeter? heat loss to the air is one of the biggest factors besides to the calorimeter

[jubba]

In my experiment i used another polystyrene cup to cover.

And thanks for the forumla

But does anyone know any practical enhancements which would be possible in the class room.

[gregpawin]

Those foam cups have got to be one of the most efficient thermal barriers out there.  Outside of using a container with a vacuum and coated with silver inside, the foam cup is high on the best lab equipment for your buck.