Simple Calorimetry to find the enthalpy of combustion of alcohols

Method

  1. Measure 50 cm3 of water into the copper can using the measuring cylinder
  2. Select a spirit burner containing an alcohol and record the mass
  3. Clamp the copper can at a convenient distance so that the spirit burner can sit underneath the copper can.
  4. Take the starting temperature of the water.
  5. Attach a lid and stirrer through the centre of this and stir continuously when the spirit burner it lit.
  6. Light the spirit burner and time for 2 minutes, after this time, snuff out the flame and record the temperature of the water.
  7. Re weigh the spirit burner
  8. Repeat using the other alcohols and fresh water in the copper can.

Equipment List

- Apparatus

Join now!

- Safety Glasses

- Stand Boss and Clamp

- Thermometer

- 50ml Measuring Cylinder

- Copper Can + Lid

- Weighing Balance

- Spirit Burner containing: Methanol. Ethanol. Propanol. Butanol. Octanol.

- Stirring Rod

Data Collection and Processing:

Results:

Energy transferred to the water

q = mc∆T

Methanol

Temperature change: (63.93 – 25.67) = 38.26°C

Mass change: (234.56 – 235.78) = -1.22

Energy transfer:

        q = (50cm3) (4.18JK-1g-1) (38.26°C)

         = 7996.34 J

         = 7996.34 ÷1000

        q = 7.9963 ...

This is a preview of the whole essay