Energy in Food

Question 1

Calorimetry

Answer 1

Process used to measure amount of heat released or absorbed during a chemical reaction

Question 2

Why is dry food needed for calorimetry experiments?

Answer 2

Because they burn easily

Question 3

Examples of dry foods

Answer 3

Dried beans or pasta

Question 4

How to conduct calorimetry of foods (step-by-step)

Answer 4

• Weigh a small amount of the food
• Skewer it on a mounted needle
• Add a set volume of water to a boiling tube held with a clamp
• Measure the temperature of the water by putting the thermometer into the tube
• Then set fire to the food using a bunsen burner flame
• Hold the food under the tube until it burns out
• Then relight the food and repeat the above process until the food doesn’t light again
• Then measure the temperature of the water at the end

Question 5

Formula to calculate energy in food

Answer 5

Mass of water (g) x temperature of water (in degrees celcius) x 4.2

Question 6

Formula to calculate energy per gram of food

Answer 6

Energy in food (j) / mass of food (g)

Question 7

Unit used to measure energy

Answer 7

Joules