Chemistry - Reactivity Serires report
4 star(s)
Heat Energy Experiment Aim: To measure the heat energy released in a burning fuel.
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Introduction
Heat Energy Experiment Aim: To measure the heat energy released in a burning fuel. Diagram: Method: * The apparatus was set as shown in the diagram. * 20ml of water were measured. * The initial temperature of the water was measured as well as the distance from the tile to the bottom of the test tube. * The mass of the watch glass with and without the fuel was measured. * The fuel was lighted with a lighted splint and left to burn until it ends. * The mass of the watch glass was then re-measured. * The final temperature of the water was recorded. ...read more.
Middle
12.5 cm 12.5 cm Initial temperature (�C) 14.5 �C 17.5 �C Final Temperature (�C) 28 �C 42�C Temp. Difference (�C) 13.5 �C 24.5�C Initial Mass (g) 21.92 g 20.74 g Final Mass (g) 20.5 g 19.35 g Mass Difference (g) 1.43 g 1.39 g Observations: The results were averaged out from 2 repeats (each) for improved accuracy. Some observations were taken during the experiment: * The firelighter burnt for a lot longer than the ethanol. * The firelighter's flame was a lot stronger and created more soot than the ethanol's. Calculations: Heat energy produced = Mass of water x specific heat capacity x temperature rise of water Ethanol 20 g x 4.2J x 13.5�C = 1134 J 1.134 x 100 1.43 ...read more.
Conclusion
Some other possible errors could have been: * The fact that the flame didn't always go to the test tube. * Energy was lost in the air, not going directly to the test tube and giving inaccurate values. * Although the watch glasses were cleaned, some excess weight was left on for the repeats of the experiment. * The results aren't very reliable due to the fact that the ethanol might not have been pure, having some chemicals added to it. Possible improvements could be: * Place things around the experiment for constant flame. * Lower the test tube so less energy is wasted. * Use different test tubes and watch glasses each repeat for more accuracy. * Repeat the experiment at least 5 times for improved and more accurate averages. ...read more.
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Here's what a star student thought of this essay
5 star(s)
Response to the question
Focus on the question is done well. The candidate is concise in how they present their answer, and their evaluation and conclusion is good. Their conclusions are also very well done and relate to the experiment well. I would have ...
Read full reviewResponse to the question
Focus on the question is done well. The candidate is concise in how they present their answer, and their evaluation and conclusion is good. Their conclusions are also very well done and relate to the experiment well. I would have liked to have seen linkage to the science behind the experiment as to why different fuels have different energy levels as this would have shown a better understanding of the topic.
Level of analysis
The diagram used is useful as it aids the method in being able to see exactly what the candidate will do to carry out their aim. A prediction would have showed a deeper understanding of the experiment as the candidate would have related theory to the experiment before it happened which would have gained higher marks. They do consider things which may have biased the experiment which is good to show understanding on how to improve an experiment and make it more reliable. The results table is consistent in decimal places and the calculations are correct, although I'm not sure what kind of fuel the fire lighter was as this has not been identified, and the correct scientific chemical name should have been used for easier identification. Observations are all to a good standard of accuracy. Their conclusion is good because it consists of an overall ending statement and points out possible errors and improvements.
Quality of writing
Punctuation, grammar and spelling all to a good level. I like the layout of this piece as it is very clear to read.
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