Find out which of five chosen fuels; Ethanol, Propan-1-ol, Butan-1-ol, Hexan-1-ol and Octan-1-ol gives out the most heat energy.

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An experiment involving five fuels, to see which

fuels contain most energy.

Aim: 

To find out which of five chosen fuels; Ethanol, Propan-1-ol, Butan-1-ol, Hexan-1-ol and Octan-1-ol gives out the most heat energy.

Introduction:

A chemical bond is an attraction between atoms brought about by a sharing of electrons between to atoms or a complete transfer of electrons. There are three types of chemical bonds: , and Polar covalent.  In addition chemists often recognize another type of bond called a .

Ionic bonds arise from elements with low electro negativity (almost empty outer shells) reacting with elements with high electro negativity (mostly full outer shells). In this case there is a complete transfer of electrons.

Covalent bonds involve a complete sharing of electrons and occur most commonly between atoms that have partially filled outer shells or energy levels. Thus if the atoms are similar in negativity then the electrons will be shared.

These bonds are in between covalent and ionic bonds in that the atoms share electrons but the electrons spend more of their time around on atom versus the others in the compound. This type of bond occurs when the atoms involved differ greatly in electro negativity.

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Prediction:

I predict that the more energy given out, the higher the number of moles.

Method:

Equipment:

  • Ethanol in fuel burner
  • Propan-1-ol in fuel burner
  • Butan-1-ol in fuel burner
  • Hexan-1-ol in fuel burner
  • Octan-1-ol in fuel burner
  • Heat proof mat
  • 20ml water
  • Boiling tube
  • Clamp and stand
  • Stop clock
  • Measuring cylinder
  • Splint/Matches (to light the burner)

First of all we completed a preliminary experiment to see what volume of water to use.

I will use a boiling tube to boil water in it. I will then use a clamp and stand to clamp the test ...

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