See below. bomb calorimeter An apparatus primarily used for measuring heats of combustion. The reaction takes place in a closed space known as the calorimeter proper, in controlled thermal contact with its surroundings, the jacket, at constant temperature. Learn how a bomb calorimeter measures the heat of combustion of a substance under constant volume conditions. Find out the parts, working principle, advantages, applications, and disadvantages of this scientific instrument. Learn what a bomb calorimeter is, how it works, how it is constructed and what it is used for. Find out the principle, formula, examples and FAQs of this instrument to measure the heat of reaction. What is a bomb calorimeter ? A bomb calorimeter is a device used to measure the heat of combustion of a sample. It consists of a small, non-reactive crucible that holds the sample, which is placed inside a high-pressure oxygen atmosphere, referred to as a bomb . The bomb is immersed in a water jacket, and the heat released during the combustion reaction is measured by the temperature change of the water.