Calorimetry

Question 1

Describe an experiment to find out the energy value of a food sample.

Answer 1

• Weigh the food sample
• Measure starting temperature of water in a boiling tube
• Burn food sample and hold it under the tube of water
• If it goes out, keep relighting it until it will not burn anymore
• Measure the final temperature of the water

Question 2

State the equation to find the energy in a food sample with the results of a calorimetry experiment.
(Starting and final temperature of water, mass of water, SHC of water: 4.2, Mass of food)

Answer 2

Energy of food (J) = Mass of water (g) x Temperature change of water x 4.2

Energy per gram of food (J/g) = Energy (J) / Mass (g)

Question 3

Describe one way you could increase the accuracy of a calorimetry experiment.

Answer 3

Insulating the boiling tube