Alcohol Energy Release

d. I predict that the different types of alcohol will affect the temperature change (energy released) because each molecule of the different alcohols gives different bonds, when the bonds are broken, different amounts of energy are given of when the new bonds are formed.

e.

f. For each experiment in the series I will put 100cm3 of water into the calorimeter and make sure the underside is scraped of soot. I will keep the distance between the spirit burner and calorimeter a constant, although the size of the flame may vary. I will try to choose spirit burners with similar sized wicks so as to avoid a second variable altering the reactions. I will place a thermometer into the calorimeter and after the flame has been lit, I will check the temperature every 30 seconds to get a reading I will do this to a maximum of 4 minutes.

g. I will ensure a fair test by doing my best to keep all other variables the same, other than temperature in each experiment. I will also repeat each experiment (and take the average) twice so that if a mistake occurs, I hope my second result will show me and help me right it.

h. I will use the following alcohols, measuring every 30 seconds for 4 minutes, in the series: Heptanol, Butanol, Pentanol, Ethanol, Propanol.

i. I will measure the outcome variable of temperature using a thermometer.

j. I will repeat each experiment (and take the average) twice so that if a mistake occurs, I hope my second result will show me and help me right it.

2. Obtaining results

Time

Heptanol

Butanol

Pentanol

Ethanol

Propanol

st Result

2nd Result

st Result

2nd Result

st Result

2nd Result

st Result

2nd Result

st Result

2nd Result

30

27

26

28

27

26

27

25

25

23

23

60

38

36

36

35

31

30

30

29

25

26

90

43

42

44

45

40

39

37

36

28

29

20

51

51

54

56

47

48

45

46

31

32

50

59

59

65

65

56

57

54

54.5

38

32

80

63

62

76

75

65

60

62

61

42

33

210

65

66

83

82

73

64

70

70

47

31

240

73

72

87

86

81

66

77

76

50

29

b.

c. ... = odd result.

3. Analysing Results and Making conclusions