What is the significance of the temperature readings taken during the experiment?

The temperature readings taken during an experiment are crucial for calculating energy transfer because they provide quantitative data about the heat absorbed or released during a chemical reaction. In exothermic reactions, for example, the temperature of the surroundings increases as energy is released, while in endothermic reactions, the temperature decreases as energy is absorbed. By measuring the change in temperature before and after the reaction, one can apply specific heat capacity formulas to determine the amount of energy transferred in the process. This energy transfer is essential for understanding the thermodynamics of the reaction, which can help predict behavior in future experiments or in practical applications involving heat exchange.