Conclusion

In conclusion, the experimental data supports my hypothesis that the longer the carbon
chain of an alcohol, the higher the enthalpy change of combustion. This trend agrees with
theoretical predictions, because longer carbon chains results in the release of more energy
per mole when combusted due to the greater number of bonds that can be broken and
formed. Despite deviating from the literature, the experimental results show that methanol,
with a one-carbon (1C) chain, has the lowest measured enthalpy change at -192 kJ/mol. In
contrast, pentan-1-ol, with a five-carbon (5C) chain, exhibits the highest measured enthalpy
change at -1598 kJ/mol. Therefore, molar enthalpies increase as chain length increases.
However, all the measured enthalpy changes for methanol, ethanol, propan-1-ol, and
butan-1-ol were all lower than the respective literature values.

Several limitations of our experiment contributed to the lower experimental enthalpy values,
reducing accuracy. This means imperfect experimental setup and conditions deviate from
ideal or controlled standards, creating results that do not reflect the accepted literature
values of the enthalpy change of combustion for the alcohols tested.

One significant factor is the assumption that all the heat produced by the combustion was
transferred to the water in the calorimeter. In reality, some heat was inevitably absorbed by
and conducted throughout the copper cup or potentially lost to the environment via
convection and radiation. Additionally, the aluminum foil used to wrap the calorimeter, while
effective at reducing heat loss due to radiation and convection, restricted oxygen flow,
leading to incomplete combustion of the fuel. Incomplete combustion would result in a lower
recorded temperature increase and, consequently, a lower calculated enthalpy change.

Evaluation
Strengths

Minimized evaporation The use of a lid with a hole for the temperature probe
heat loss significantly reduces heat loss due to evaporation. By containing
the steam, most of the heat is retained within the system for
more accurate measurement of temperature change.

High precision The temperature probe used in the experiment is highly precise,
temperature allowing for fine measurements of temperature changes. This
measurement with precision enhances reliability of the data collected regarding
temperature increase of water, which is necessary for calculating
Vernier temperature
enthalpy change of combustion.
probe

Accurate mass The balance with precision to two decimal places allows for an
determination accurate measurement of spirit burners before and after
combustion. This accuracy is needed for determining the exact
amount of alcohol (in moles) consumed during the experiment,
which is necessary for calculating the enthalpy change.
 Controlled Air currents minimised by wrapping calorimeter with aluminium
environment foil.

Repeated trials Performing multiple trials in each group for every type of alcohol
increases the reliability of the results by averaging out
anomalous data thus reducing impact of random errors

Reflective aluminium Wrapping the calorimeter with aluminum foil, shiny side inwards,
foil helps to reflect some of the heat radiation back towards the
water, reducing heat loss and improving the efficiency of heat
transfer to the water

Standardized water Using a consistent volume of water 50 cm³ across all trials
volume ensures heat capacity is constant, which simplifies calculation of
the enthalpy change and allows for fair comparisons between
different alcohols.

To target the weaknesses improve the experiment, the following modifications can be made
to the set up next time.
1. Minimizing heat loss by using a bomb calorimeter
● Utilizing a bomb calorimeter for measuring enthalpy change of combustion
has significant advantages over simple setup involving a copper cup wrapped
in aluminum foil. The bomb calorimeter's sealed environment ensures
complete combustion by providing an ample and controlled oxygen supply,
which eliminates likelihood of incomplete combustion. Its insulation minimises
heat loss, allowing for nearly all heat from combustion to be accurately
measured as it is transferred to the water jacket surrounding the reaction
chamber.
● It is necessary to weigh this against financial and practical considerations-
Bomb calorimeters are significantly more expensive and require higher level
of training to operate safely and effectively. This may not be feasible for all
laboratory settings, particularly high schools.

2. Faster lid placement on burner

● One non-negligible weakness in our experimental procedure is delay between
cessation of the combustion reaction and putting the lid of burner back on.
Due to concerns about hand burns when extinguishing the spirit burner, there
is a hesitation that leads to a lag in placing snuffer lid over spirit burner even
after the burning burner is moved away from the copper cup. This means that
the fuel is still burning but not transferring the energy to the cup. This
discrepancy can lead to an underestimation of actual enthalpy change.
● Before conducting the experiment, more practice of placing snuffer lid over
flame swiftly and safely would be helpful. This can make the experimenter
more confident and reduce time taken to extinguish flame in the actual
experiment.
 ● Using tongs or heat-resistant gloves can keep hands at a safe distance from
heat source to minimize risk of burns

3. Ensuring complete combustion with oxygen supply

● Supplying continuous oxygen to this simple calorimetry setup can be
achieved through safer methods than using oxidizing agents, which pose
significant risks due to their highly reactive nature and potential for explosive
reactions
● One controlled approach can involve slow and steady stream of oxygen gas
introduced into setup from pressurized tank with a flow regulator, ensuring
constant and adjustable oxygen supply
4. Repeat trials
● By increasing the number of trials for each alcohol in order to obtain more
reliable data and reduce impact of random errors.
5. Accounting for specific heat gapacity
● The specific heat capacity of copper (0.385 J/g°C) should be accounted for in
the enthalpy calculations to better estimate the heat absorbed by the cup
● Since some of the heat produced by combustion of the alcohol will be
absorbed by the copper cup and conducted throughout it before it reaches
water, failing to account for this will lead to underestimation of the total heat
released during combustion, which is a systematic error