Question

Why should bits of ice be wiped before adding them to the calorimeter during the determination of the specific latent heat of fusion of ice?

Answer 1

Bits of ice should be wiped with filter paper or a dry cloth to remove any water sticking to their surface. This water is already in liquid form at 0°C, so it does not absorb latent heat of fusion. If it is not removed, it increases the measured mass of ice and gives an incorrect value of specific latent heat of fusion.