Alcohol Combustion Experiment Evaluation

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Alcohol Combustion Experiment

Evaluation

In comparing my results with those of published data, I found that my calculated heats of combustion were not accurate. However they did all follow the trend that published data showed, and in that respect my results were correct.

The reasons behind why my results were inaccurate are mainly due to heat loss and incomplete combustion. However, if I were to conduct the investigation again, I feel that my results would be more accurate and closer to those of published data. This is because I now know why my results were inaccurate.

One of the reasons behind why my results were inaccurate was due to heat loss. The fact that there was a sufficient heat loss meant that the temperature rise figure required to work out the energy of combustion was inaccurate. This inaccuracy affected the whole of the results, and would have been emphasised as I multiplied the number of kilojoules up to 1 mol. I could solve this problem by decreasing the distance between the burner and the water tin, as this would have reduced the heat loss, although by doing this some heat still would have been lost to the surrounding air. In order to enforce minimal heat loss, I would have to insulate the tin and burner to ensure that
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a) The water did not loose any heat and

b) That all of the heat from the alcohols burner went to the water and that none was lost.

Another reason for inaccurate results was incomplete combustion. This meant that the product were carbon and carbon monoxide, which can be further combusted to make carbon dioxide, so making up the heat loss. Getting round this problem would require a longer wick and a better air supply. Increased oxygen levels would enhance combustion, as it is vital for combustion to take place. (Shown on page 1).

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