The Heat Output of the Bunsen Burner Flame.

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Amy Gardner

THE HEAT OUTPUT OF THE BUNSEN BURNER FLAME

AIM

To compare the heat output using different types of flame

PRELIMINARY WORK

In my preliminary work I decided to investigate the temperature rise per gram of fuel for three different fuels; hexamine, a wax candle and a paraffin lamp. To do this each fuel heated 200ml of water from approximately 20°c to 40°c, I then calculated the temperature rise per gram of fuel using the equation:

TEMPERATURE RISE (°c)

MASS OF FUEL USED (g)

I used a variety of apparatus; a stand and clamp, a tin can, 250ml measuring cylinder, weight scales, thermometer, hexamine/candle/paraffin lamp and a heat-proof mat. Here are my results:

I realised from my preliminary work that the heat disperses in varies directions, the distance between the flame and the tin can containing the water can vary and the heat is lost into the room and the equipment. So taking these points into consideration I have designed an experiment to compare the heat output of a Bunsen burner.

APPARATUS

  • Stand and clamp
  • Tin can
  • 250ml measuring cylinder
  • Weight scales
  • Thermometer
  • Bunsen Burner
  • Heat proof mat
  • Stopwatch

PROCEDURE

  • Set up apparatus as shown in the diagram above
  • Measure 200ml of water from the tap into a tin can
  • Place the tin can into the grasp of the clamp stand
  • Record the starting temperature of the water
  • Leave the air hole on the Bunsen burner closed
  • Place the Bunsen burner directly underneath the tin can
  • Leave approximately 5cm between the tip of the flame and the tin can
  • Using a lit splint turn the gas tap on full and ignite the gas, at exactly the same time start the stopwatch  
  • Stir the water with the thermometer throughout the heating process to keep the water at an even temperature
  • When the water has increased by 20°c stop the stopwatch and record both the finish temperature at the time it took to reach that temperature
  • Place your results in a table
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Repeat this procedure adjusting the air hole on the Bunsen burner by 2mm each time for 6 results until fully open.

The variables that must remain constant throughout the experiment:

  • Volume of the water 200ml
  • Same tin can
  • The temperature raise of 20°c
  • The distance between the tip of the flame and the tin can
  • Same Bunsen burner

The variables that must be changed are:

  • The position of the air hole

SAFETY

For reasons of safety I must make sure that all items of loose clothing is tucked ...

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