i think molar heat of combustion is given as per mol (kJ/mol) while heat of combustion is just in kJ. or mayb theyre the same thing. some1 should check.
measuring is easy.
its just h = mCdT (pretend the d is a triange)
where:
h is the heat of combustion
m is the mass of water heated
C is the specific heat capacity of water
dT is the change in temperature (of the water)
divide it all by the number of moles of watever it is u combusted to get the molar heat of combustion (ie mCdT/moles)
and h is always negative because ur getting energy or something. dont forget the negative sign.
edit: i just noticed that the formula is on the chem data sheet under "Some useful formulae"
if it's negative, temp of surround env. (eg. the water) increased, it's an exothermic reaction.
and if it's positive, temp decreased, it's endothermic.
i think.
hmm, don't quote me on that, it could be the other way around.
1. yes toods is right
2. molar heat of combustion if heat energy liberated or absorbed when one mole of a chemical undergoes a given rxn....
plain 'heat of combustion' is same as above except in terms of the given quantity....so it doesnt necessarily have to be moles