A calorimeter is a scientific instrument used to measure the amount of heat involved in a chemical reaction or physical change. It helps determine the energy changes that occur during these processes, allowing scientists to study thermodynamics. Calorimeters can be simple, like a coffee cup calorimeter, or more complex, like a bomb calorimeter, which is used for high-energy reactions. In a calorimeter, a sample is placed in a controlled environment, and the heat exchange is measured. The data collected can provide insights into the specific heat capacity of substances, the enthalpy of reactions, and other important thermodynamic properties related to chemistry and physics.