Yes, it is a sound approach because a vacuum system is an isolated system.
An isolated system is one in which neither energy nor mass can be exchanged with the surrounding.
In a vacuum, mass and energy may not be exchanged with the surroundings. In other words, a vacuum is a good system for measuring the total energy of a reaction.
Thus, it will be possible for the scientist to measure the energy of the reaction and determine whether is endothermic or exothermic.
More on isolated systems can be found here: https://brainly.com/question/18482036