EXPERIMENT No.

4
HEAT OF COMBUSTION
In this activity, the heat of combustion of three liquid alcohols will be determined.
Also, the relationship between the number of carbon atoms in an alcohol and its
heat of combustion will be identified.
OBJECTIVE:
At the end of this experiment, the students are expected to:
1. determine the heats of combustion of three liquid alcohols per gram and per
mole.
2. compare the heat of combustion of the three liquid alcohols
3. relate the number of carbon atoms in an alcohol and its heat of combustion.
MATERIALS:
Electronic balance, aluminum can, thermometer, iron stand, clamp, boss head,
3 alcohol lamps (ethanol, propanol and butanol), graduated cylinder.
Risk Assessment: Since alcohols are being burned there is exposure of a naked
flame and a flammable hazard. Care must be taken to ensure that any spill is
cleaned up immediately and safety goggles are to be worn. A fire extinguisher
should also be kept close by for emergencies.
PROCEDURE:
1. Weigh the aluminium can and record its mass.
2. Measure 300mL of water and pour it carefully into the can.
3. Insert a thermometer into the can and record its initial temperature (T 1).
4. Place the can in the clamp on the retort stand.
5. Weigh the capped ethanol spirit burner and record the mass.
6. Light the burner and heat the water until the temperature rises by 20oC.
7. Extinguish the flame and cap the burner. Stir the water gently and record the
maximum temperature reached (T2).
8. Reweigh the spirit burner and determine the mass difference.
9. Calculate the standard enthalpy of combustion.

PREPARED BY: E.V.SILFAVAN, C.D.SACDALAN, M.S.P.RODIL, M.C.T. CABILDO & E.S.CAPINDING

CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT, COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TUP MANILA, SY 2020-2021
26
 EXPERIMENT No. 4
HEAT OF COMBUSTION

SET – UP:

DATA AND RESULTS:

ETHANOL PROPANOL BUTANOL
Mass of aluminum can
Mass of water
Mass of capped alcohol lamp filled
with alcohol before burning
Mass of capped alcohol lamp filled
with alcohol after burning
Mass of alcohol burnt
Molar Mass of alcohol
Initial Temperature of water (T1)
Final temperature of water (T2)
(ΔHc0) Experimental
(ΔHc0) Theoretical
Percent Error

PREPARED BY: E.V.SILFAVAN, C.D.SACDALAN, M.S.P.RODIL, M.C.T. CABILDO & E.S.CAPINDING

CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT, COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TUP MANILA, SY 2020-2021
27
PREPARED BY: E.V.SILFAVAN, C.D.SACDALAN, M.S.P.RODIL, M.C.T. CABILDO & E.S.CAPINDING
CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT, COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TUP MANILA, SY 2020-2021
28