To compare the energy released when different fuels are burned.

25cm3 of water will be put in to a boiling tube. The boiling tube will then be clamped 5cm above where the flame of the spirit lamp will be. This will be done using a ruler.

        A spirit lamp will be weighed to find its mass. A thermometer will then be placed in the boiling tube. The temperature of the water will then be taken. The spirit burner will then be placed under the boiling tube (each time making sure it is the same distance between the lamp and boiling tube.) The spirit lamp will then be lit and the thermometer watched carefully. Once the temperature has risen by 20oc, the flame will be extinguished by quickly placing the lid of the burner over the flame. The temperature will be taken again, and mass of the spirit burner noted again.

        To make this a fair test, water will be taken from the cold tap each time, and the same volume of water will be measured.

Results:

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2.

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4.

Any Improvements?

        If I did this experiment again, I would repeat each experiment at least 5 times, so I could get an average and be more precise with my answers. I would also try and cut out as many unnecessary drafts as possible, by shutting the windows and doors, as this may have affected my results by taking some heat away from the burner.