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Abstract
In this experiment, enthalpy was able to be used to measure the
combustion rates of selected alcohols. By burning samples of
alcohols and measuring the temperature change is was possible to
graph the results. A noticeable, linear trend between the
relationship f the molar mass of the alcohols and the combustion
rates was observed, calculated and graphed. This technique was an
effective way to observe the basic effect of molar mass on
combustion rates.
Introduction
In chemistry, alcohol (James, 2015) refers to an organic compound
with a functional hydroxyl group (OH), which is directly bonded to
Carbon. Alcohols are able to be combusted (AUS-e-TUTE, 2015) or
burnt to produce Carbon Dioxide and water.
Enthalpy (Clark, 2013) is reactions that take place between
chemicals that either absorb or give off heat. It is useful to
distinguish the heat released or taken in, in different circumstances,
at constant volume, at constant pressure etc.
Enthalpy equations (Christopher Evans, 2014) use various
components to calculate the energy taken in or released during the
reaction. The equation used in this course is as follows;
ms T
1000 n
Results
Below are the results of both the results achieved by the group in
the experiment and, for comparison, the true and published values
of the combustion of the selected alcohols.
The calculations to the results achieved by the group can be located
in the appendix.
Linear ()
Linear ()
The
graph which displays the true values of the combustion of the
selected alcohols (heptanol, hexanol and ethanol) shows a direct
and linear relationship between the combustion and the molar mass
of the alcohol. The very accurate R2 value indicates that the true
values are very high in precision.
Discussion
By observing the graph purely produced by the experiment, the
hypothesis is supported. There shows to be an increasing linear
trend between the molar mass and the combustion of certain
alcohols. However, given the low R2 value, on its own, it would not
by ideal to draw a conclusion based on these results.
By including the true published values of the combustion of the
same certain alcohols the reliability of the experiment can be
compared. As the trend similarly follows the same relationship, a
conclusion can be drawn about the reliability of the test, and it can
be ensured that with repetitions of the same method, a similar, if
not the same, trend can be calculated.
The validity of the results is detected to be high as the results test
what the method aimed to test.
As it is obvious of an outlier in the results, it becomes evident that
some errors may have taken place. The most likely cause of outliers
is random sources of error.
One major possibility of a random error could be in the calculations.
By incorrectly entering data it would be made evident by an outlier
on the graph. To reduce this possibility, it is essential to double
check calculations to minimize the risk of incorrect input.
Another source of random error could be the changes in distance
between the test tube and the flame from the alcohol. When the
flame was extinguished many times it was necessary to move the
test tube higher up the retort stand to prevent boiling over of the
water. If the test tube was not put back in the exact same spot it
may have an impact on the change in the temperature of the
combustion process. This would also appear on the graph in the
form of an outlier.
Another source of random error could be incomplete combustion. If
parts of the alcohol that showed disappearance werent fully
converted into water and Carbon Dioxide, it cannot be included as a
combustion rate. Outliers in the graph and also the production of
Carbon Monoxide in the experiment can identify this. The presence
of Carbon Monoxide would leave a black, sooty residue on the
bottom of the test tube indicating that there was not enough
Oxygen to pair with the Carbon. This factor can be extremely hard
to prevent as it is all about the balance of the elements, especially
Oxygen.
Due to the similar trend, however drastically lower results, it could
also be possible that a systematic error could have occurred. One
possibility of systematic error could have been the inaccuracy of
Conclusion
Bibliography
AUS-e-TUTE. (2015, 01 06). Combustion of Alcohols. Retrieved 06
19, 2015, from AUS-e-TUTE:
http://www.ausetute.com.au/combustol.html
Berger, D. (2006, 04 11). Why the molar mass of an alcohol affects
its enthalpy of combustion. Retrieved 06 19, 2015, from MadSci
Network: Chemistry : http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/200604/1144848154.Ch.r.html
Christopher Evans, M. C. (2014). Using and Controlling Reactions. In
M. C. Christopher Evans, SACE 2: Essentials Chemistry Workbook
(17th ed., p. 125). Adelaide: Adelaide Tuition Center.
Clark, J. (2013, 05). Various Enthalpy Change Definitions. Retrieved
06 18, 2015, from ChemGuide:
http://www.chemguide.co.uk/physical/energetics/definitions.html
James. (2015, 06 17). Master Organic Chemistry. Retrieved 06 19,
2015, from Alcohols (1) Nomenclature and Properties:
http://www.masterorganicchemistry.com/2014/09/17/alcohols-1nomenclature-and-properties/
Kilpa, N. (2015, 06 12). Set up of apparatus.