Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC)
The DSC is a device which measures the temperature difference between two samples. A sample is placed at one end of the DSC and another sample is placed at the other end of the DSC. The temperature difference between these two samples is measured. The results are used to determine the amount of heat present in each sample. If there is no heat present then the temperature difference will be zero or close to it.
The greater the heat present in one sample over the other, the greater the temperature difference.
The DSC usually consists of a rectangular metal block with a hole running through the middle from one end to the other. One end of the block is where the first sample is placed. The other end of the block is where the second sample is placed. The temperature is measured along the length of the block.
The DSC method is used to determine if there is a difference in heat chemical bonds of two types of chemical bonds. A large amount of heat energy must be absorbed in order to break the bonds and start a chemical reaction in the first place. This large amount of energy is released when the reaction is complete. The DSC measures the heat absorbed by each substance and the amount of heat released by the reaction.
The Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) measures the energy (heat) changes that occur when different materials react with each other. These energy changes are measured as a function of temperature. A small, but measurable change in temperature (-50C to 50C) is measured at a fixed rate (usually from 0.5C to 5C) for each sample tested. The samples are sealed in small pans or tubes, and these are placed into the DSC and the temperature is raised or lowered at a set rate.
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