I need to make a calorimeter for my high school chemistry class. Any suggestions? I have a few ideas but I can't figure out how I would light the food on fire from inside the container. I have to burn the food and measure the heat through water. thank you!!!!!
This may help.
http://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Calorimeter
To make a simple calorimeter for your high school chemistry class, you can use basic materials that are often readily available. Here's a suggestion for constructing your calorimeter:
Materials needed:
1. Two polystyrene foam cups (one inside the other to create insulation)
2. Large paperclip or wire
3. Thermometer
4. Matches or lighter
5. Water
6. Food sample to burn (e.g., a small piece of potato chip)
Here's a step-by-step guide on setting up the calorimeter:
1. Take the two foam cups and cut a small hole in the top of the outer cup to insert the thermometer. Make sure the hole is large enough to accommodate the thermometer without any gaps.
2. Insert the thermometer into the hole, with the bulb of the thermometer positioned near the center of the cup. Use tape if needed to secure the thermometer in place.
3. Bend the paperclip or wire into a hook shape. This hook will hold the food sample.
4. Attach the hook (paperclip or wire) to the top of the inner cup, ensuring that it hangs directly over the thermometer bulb but doesn't touch it. Adjust the length of the hook as needed so that it reaches the bottom of the cup.
5. Fill the inner cup with a known amount of water (e.g., 100 mL). This will absorb the heat from the burning food.
6. Place the food sample on the hook, ensuring it is securely attached.
Now, here's how you can proceed to measure the heat released during the food combustion:
1. Make sure the area around the experiment is clear and free from any flammable materials.
2. Light the food sample using matches or a lighter. Take precautions and use proper safety measures, such as wearing safety goggles and having a fire extinguisher nearby.
3. Carefully place the inner cup inside the outer cup, centering it. The insulation provided by the foam cups will help reduce heat loss to the surroundings.
4. Observe and record the starting temperature of the water by reading the thermometer. This will be your initial temperature.
5. Allow the food to burn completely, ensuring that it doesn't touch the sides of the cup.
6. Once the food has finished burning, stir the water gently while reading the thermometer to ensure uniform temperature measurement.
7. Record the final temperature of the water once it stabilizes. This will be your final temperature.
To calculate the heat released during the food combustion, you can use the following formula:
Q = m x c x ΔT
Where:
Q = Heat energy released (in Joules)
m = Mass of the water (in grams)
c = Specific heat capacity of water (4.18 J/g°C)
ΔT = Change in temperature (final temperature minus initial temperature) in °C.
By substituting the values into the equation, you can determine the heat energy released during the combustion process.
Remember to always follow safety guidelines when conducting experiments involving fire and to consult with your teacher or instructor before proceeding.