Combustion of Alcohols
Chemistry: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 15.3.3
Combustion of Alcohols
Alcohols combust to release energy. We can measure the amount of energy released by measuring the temperature change in water.
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Measuring variables
- The mass of the alcohol and burner is measured before and after combusting the fuel.
- The temperature of the water can be measured before and after to find the temperature change.
- If we divide the temperature change by the mass of fuel used, we can compare to the mass needed to heat the water up by 1 degree celsius.
Practical considerations
- Heat energy is lost to the surroundings, so we use draft insulators to minimise heat loss.
- Heat energy is used to heat the glass instead of the water.
- Some water can evaporate.
Test yourself on Combustion of Alcohols
When measuring energy released by the combustion of alcohols, what can we use to minimise heat loss?
During the experiment, what is heated?