We are investigating which alcohol is the most effective for producing heat and energy. The alcohols we are investigating are Ethanol, Propan 1-ol, Propan 2-ol, Butan 1-ol and Butan 2-ol.

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Mark Minife

Alcohol Investigation

Aim- we are investigating which alcohol is the most effective for producing heat and energy.  The alcohols we are investigating are Ethanol, Propan 1-ol, Propan 2-ol, Butan 1-ol and Butan 2-ol.

Diagram-

Method-

  • Weigh alcohol.
  • Carefully measure out 50ml of water.
  • Take water temperature.
  • Measure distance from alcohol to the end of the wick.
  • Record this data.
  • Set up apparatus as in the diagram.
  • Record the temperature of the water every 30 seconds for 300 seconds.
  • Weigh alcohol again.
  • Take water temperature.
  • Measure the distance from alcohol to the end of the wick.
  • Repeat experiment 3 or 4 times for the up most accuracy.

Variables-

The main input variables are:

  • Temperature at start.
  • Alcohol at the start.
  • Height of beaker.
  • Length of wick.
  • Thickness of wick.
  • Height of alcohol in burner at the start.
  • Volume of water.
  • Beaker.

The main output variables are:

  • Temperature at the end.
  • Alcohol at the end.
  • Height of alcohol in burner at the end.

You must take the temperature of the water at the start of each experiment.  The alcohol variable will change for each experiment.  The height of the beaker determines how fast the water would heat.  The length of the wick determines the height of the flame.  If the wick were longer the flame would be longer.  The thickness of the wick determines the width of the flame. If the alcohol ion the burner were at different heights then it would take different amounts of time for the alcohol to reach the top of the wick.  The water would take longer to heat depending on the volume of water.  The beaker should be copper each time.  

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Fair test- to ensure that this is a fair experiment all of these variables should be the same for each experiment.

Predictions-

Ethanol:

        H     H                        2*CO2

    H        C   C   OH                3*H2O

        H     H    

Propan 1-ol:

        H     H     H     H                3*CO2        

    H        C   C   C   C   OH                4*H2O

        H     H     H     H

Propan 2-ol:

        H     H     H                3*CO2

    H        C   C   C   OH        4*H2O

      ...

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