Comparing the energy from different fossil fuels

The aims of this investigation are:

 to discover which of three fossil fuels (ethanol, kerosene and diesel) can generate the most energy
 how to properly plan an investigation and conduct a fair test.

Diesel is used in some cars, lorries and heavy machinery instead of petrol; kerosene is used in lamps and
even fridges when electricity is not available; ethanol is aircraft fuel.

Fuels are often burnt (this is what is called “combustion”) in order to generate heat. The energy is
stored as chemical energy in the fuel and, with oxygen, can be reacted to release heat. It is easy enough
to measure how much heat is given off by using the heat to raise the temperature of water – the more
heat released, the more the temperature is raised.

Set-up and trial run

Use an alcohol burner like this:

With your group, set up one of the alcohol burners beneath a tripod, with a beaker with water on the
tripod above the burner, and a thermometer clamped into the beaker. (See drawing above.) When the
burner is lit, it will generate heat, which will raise the temperature of the water. Easy! But ……. can you
turn this into good science?

Planning the investigation (2)

When you are happy that your apparatus will work, complete a “Planning an Investigation” format
with your group. Focus on making the investigation a quantifiable fair test of the different fuels. Decide
on the hypothesis you want to test. Decide exactly your equipment and procedure.

The investigation
When your planning is approved, you can start the investigation.

Results (2)
Make a results table and collect the results from your investigation.

Treatment of results (2)

Apply some simple statistical analysis to, or draw graph(s) of the results.

Conclusion and Evaluation (3)

After finishing any investigation, we should:
1. Make a conclusion - support or reject the hypothesis - with a justification based upon your
results and their treatment.
2. Evaluate what was done, identifying and, if possible, quantifying sources of error.
3. Suggest how the investigation might be improved, and make recommendations for follow up.

Holistic assessment (1)