Combustion of alcohol

• What is the focus of the experiment discussed?

  Combustion of alcohols
• How do different alcohols function in the experiment?

  They work as fuels
• What do alcohols release when burned?

  Energy
• Which countries grow sugar cane for alcohol production?

  Countries with little oil but plenty of land
• What is the process of fermentation in alcohol production?

  Sugar cane ferments to form ethanol
• What is the use of ethanol produced from sugar cane?

  It helps fuel cars
• What can alcohols be burned to produce?

  Heat to warm water
• How can you determine which alcohol is the best fuel?

  By measuring heat produced per volume of water
• What are the steps to conduct the alcohol combustion experiment?

  1. Measure mass of the burner and fuel.
  2. Measure 100 cm³ distilled water in a calorimeter.
  3. Insulate the calorimeter with a draught excluder.
  4. Heat the water using the burner.
  5. Record the initial temperature of the water.
  6. Allow the burner to heat the water.
  7. Measure the final temperature of the water.
  8. Weigh the burner and fuel again.
  9. Repeat with different alcohols, keeping variables constant.
• What should be done to the calorimeter during the experiment?

  Insulate it with a draught excluder
• What should be done after heating the water in the experiment?

  Weigh the burner and fuel again
• Why is it important to keep variables constant in the experiment?

  To ensure accurate comparisons between alcohols
• What is the initial temperature of the water measured for?

  To compare with the final temperature
• What happens to the temperature of the water during the experiment?

  It rises due to heat from the burner
• What should be avoided when using alcohols in the experiment?

  Direct contact with flames
• What is the significance of repeating the experiment with different alcohols?

  To identify the most efficient fuel
• What should be done after the experiment is completed?

  Allow the apparatus to cool before touching
• Why is it important to weigh the burner before and after the experiment?

  To calculate the amount of fuel used
• What variables should be kept constant during the experiments?

  Mass/volume of water and burner type
• What is the purpose of using a calorimeter in the experiment?

  To measure heat transfer
• What is the role of the spirit burner in the experiment?

  To provide a source of heat
• How does the heat from the burner affect the water temperature?

  It increases the temperature of the water
• What should be done with the spirit burner after the experiment?

  Weigh it to find remaining fuel
• Why is it necessary to allow the apparatus to cool before touching?

  To prevent burns from hot surfaces
• What is the significance of measuring the temperature rise in the water?

  It indicates the energy released by the alcohol
• What is the final step after conducting the experiment with different alcohols?

  Compare the heat produced by each alcohol
• What should be done to ensure the experiment is fair?

  Keep all variables the same for each trial
• How can the results of the experiment be used in real life?

  To select the best alcohol for fuel use
• What should you do before touching the burner?

  Weigh the burner and fuel
• Why is it important to keep all variables the same in an experiment?

  To ensure accurate and reliable results
• What variables should be kept constant when repeating an experiment with alcohols?

  Mass/volume of water, height of container
• What does the height of the flame indicate in an alcohol combustion experiment?

  It indicates the efficiency of the fuel
• What are the key components to measure in an alcohol combustion experiment?

  • Mass/volume of water
  • Height of the container above the wick
  • Length of the wick
  • Number of moles of alcohol
• What is the purpose of insulating the lid in an alcohol combustion experiment?

  To reduce heat loss
• How does copper calorimetry help in measuring heat loss?

  It minimizes heat loss to the environment
• What is distilled water used for in experiments?

  To ensure purity and consistency
• If you want to compare the efficiency of different alcohols, what should you do?

  Use results from your experiments
• How does the carbon chain length of alcohols affect their efficiency as fuels?

  Longer chains lead to higher efficiency
• Which alcohol is more efficient: pentanol or butanol?

  Pentanol is more efficient
• What is the significance of the temperature rise in the water during combustion?

  It indicates the energy released by the fuel