Comparing the Enthalpy Changes of Combustion of Different Alcohols.

The first 200 words of this essay...

Michael Taylor

Comparing the Enthalpy Changes of Combustion of Different Alcohols:

Planning Assessment

The enthalpy change of combustion of a fuel is a measure of the energy transferred when a mole of the chosen fuel burns completely. The value for the enthalpy change in a fuel can be found by using the burning fuel to heat water and using the fact that 4.2J of energy are required to heat 1g of water by 1oC. In this activity I am going to find the enthalpy change of combustion for 5 alcohols: Methanol (CH3OH), Ethanol (C2H5OH), Propan-1-ol (C3H7OH), Propan-2-ol (C3H7OH) and Butan-1-ol (C4H9OH). I am doing this to investigate how molecular structure of a molecule affects its enthalpy change.

Equipment List:

- Spirit Burners containing:

Methanol

Ethanol

Propan-1-ol

Propan-2-ol

Butan-1-ol

- Small Copper Can or other metal container to act as a calorimeter

- 0-110oC Thermometer

- 50 cm3 Pipette + Pipette filler

- Access to a balance

- Bunsen Burner with Splints

- Draught Shielding

- Clamp Stand

- Burn-Proof Matt

- Distilled Water

Plan: