Energy From Food

• What is the scientific term for measuring the energy content in food?

  Calorimetry
• What type of food is best for the calorimetry experiment?

  Dry food that burns easily, such as dried beans or pasta
• Why should the Bunsen burner not be near the water during the experiment?

  To avoid affecting the accuracy of the temperature measurements
• What is the formula to calculate the amount of energy in food in joules?

  $ENERGY \, IN \, FOOD \, (in \, J) =$$MASS \, OF \, WATER \, (in \, g) \times TEMPERATURE \, CHANGE \, OF \, WATER \, (°C) \times 4.2$
• What does the number 4.2 represent in the energy calculation formula?

  The specific heat capacity of water in joules
• How is the energy per gram of food calculated?

  By dividing the energy in food by the mass of the food
• What are the limitations of the calorimetry experiment?

  • Energy released is lost to surroundings
  • Results may differ from food packaging values
  • Insulating the boiling tube can improve accuracy
• What do food scientists use to measure food energy accurately?

  Calorimeters
• How can you improve the accuracy of the calorimetry experiment?

  • Insulate the boiling tube with foil
  • Minimize heat loss to surroundings
  • Use a calorimeter for precise measurements
• what is the formula for calculating the amount of energy in joules per gram?


  energy per gram of food (in J/g) = energy of food (in J) / mass of food (in g)
• what is the method for the calorimetry experiment? 


  • first you need to select your dry food
  • weigh a small amount of the food
  • then skewer it on a mounted needle
  • next add a set volume of water to a boiling tube (held in place by a clamp)
  • measure the temperature of the water
  • set fire to the food using a bunsen burner - mount the needle under the water at a set distance
  • if the food goes out relight it untill it wont catch fire again
  • measure the temperature of the water again
  • use the equation to complete the experiment