CAN PROSAIC ERROR OR PROCESSES EXPLAIN THE EFFECT?
An answer requires all possible errors be identified, something that is not always possible to do. The major errors will be evaluated first. All calorimeters need to be calibrated and various methods are used to do this. A Joule (resistive) heater can be placed within the cell and a known amount of electrical energy applied. A better method is to apply electrolytic power while using an inert cathode. This method is sometimes possible while using a palladium cathode because bulk palladium frequently takes many days before AE is detected. This delay provides an opportunity to calibrate the calorimeter by applying various amounts of electrolytic power to the cell before AP starts. The calibration method used is very important when evaluating potential errors. Several of the listed studies used more than one method. Each calorimeter design has its own set of potential errors. These errors can be evaluated in several different ways provided sufficient information is given in the publication
