Combustion of Alcohols
This practical lesson covers:
- The energy released from the combustion of alcohols by measuring the temperature rise of a known mass of water
Investigating the combustion of alcohols
Aim
To investigate the temperature rise produced in a known mass of water by the combustion of the alcohols ethanol, propanol, butanol and pentanol.
Background information
When fuels are burned, they release heat. However, not all fuels produce the same amount of heat during combustion. In this experiment, you will compare the energy released by ethanol, propanol, butanol, and pentanol by measuring the temperature increase of a known mass of water heated using a spirit burner.
What should you do when the temperature has risen to about 20°C?
replace the lid of the spirit burner.
take off the lid of the spirit burner.
increase the flame of the spirit burner.
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What should you not do with the spirit burner?
move it when lit.
leave it unattended.
both of the above.
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What piece of equipment is used to measure the temperature change?
joulemeter
thermometer
pH probe
stopwatch
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How is the mass of fuel used calculated?
mass of fuel used = initial mass x final mass
mass of fuel used = final mass - initial mass
mass of fuel used = initial mass + final mass
mass of fuel used = initial mass - final mass
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