The correct answer is D) ) It uses the mass and specific heat of water along with a thermometer to measure the gain or loss of energy when a substance is added.
The statement that describes how a basic coffee cup calorimeter works is: "It uses the mass and specific heat of water along with a thermometer to measure the gain or loss of energy when a substance is added."
To measure the heat flow during a chemical reaction we use the device called Calorimeter. This device has a combustion chamber and above it, a metal container of water. With the use of a thermometer, we can measure the change in temperature. The combustion chamber releases the heat. This increases the temperature of the water.
The other options of the question were A) It measures the mass of a substance given the specific heat and temperature of water in a cup of known size. B) It measures the density of a substance given the mass, specific heat, and temperature of water in a cup of known size. C) It uses the mass and specific heat of water along with a pressure gauge to measure the gain or loss of energy when a substance is added.