fuels

• Combustion


  an exothermic reaction, energy is released as heat.

  fuel + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water

  the longer the carbon chain the more energy released during combustion

  change in temperature of water and change in mass of the spirit burner can be used to calculate the heat of combustion of fuels

  e=mass x 4.2j x temp change
• Risks


  -flammability: take precautions such as using a heat proof mat and using a long splint to light it

  -toxicity: products of combustion could contain impurities

  -risk of explosion: stand up and far back to try and prevent serious injuries

  -carbon monoxide: if there is limited oxygen it could lead to incomplete combustion and could produce carbon monoxide and soot. it can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, death
• converting units


  1 kilojoule (kJ) = 1000 J

  1 kilometer (km) = 1000 m

  1 kilogram (kg) = 1000g

  1 kilocalorie (kcal) = 1000cal
• possible fuels

  petrol

  food

  methanol

  propan-1-ol

  pentan-1-ol

  paraffin

  cooking oil

  ethanol

  butan-1-ol

  wax