Title: Research Question
How does IV affect the DV?
1. Variables
State IV, DV, 3 Controls
2. Data Manipulation
How will you manipulate your variables to get sufficient data?
Which increments will you do to IV
How many trials?
Will you calculate averages?
3. Hypothesis
If you increase/decrease (independent variable) then (dependent variable) will
increase/decrease/stay the same because…
4. Procedure
Equipment
(list)
Method
(if you did something different, change it below)
1. Measure 300 cm3 of cold tap water into a conical flask.
2. Clamp the flask at a suitable height so that a spirit burner can easily be placed below.
3. Put 10 ml of the alcohol in a graduated cylinder. Use the scale to weigh 2.0 grams of the
alcohol in the spirit burner and record the name of the alcohol.
4. Record the initial temperature of the water in the flask.
5. Place the homemade spirit burner under the flask and light the alcohol with a splint.
6. Allow the alcohol to heat the water.
7. When the alcohol has extinguished record the final temperature of the water. Remember to
stir the water with the thermometer.
8. Work out the rise in temperature and the mass of alcohol.
9. Using a fresh 300 cm3 of cold tap water, repeat the experiment with a different alcohol.
Safety
Risk Type of accident How to prevent the accident What to do if there is an
accident
5. Results
Results table
Number of temperature temperature Temperature Mass difference (g)
Alcohol carbons in one at start (C) at end (C) difference (C) (mass end – mass
name molecule (T end – T start) start)
6. Analysis
Discussion (Meaning of results)
What is the difference in molecular structure between hydrocarbons and
alcohols?
Write equations for the complete combustion of each alcohol used.
Calculate energy change for the reactions (in KJ/mol) using the bond
energy calculations (find explanation on OneNote worksheets)
Is the reaction exothermic or endothermic? How do you know?
HL questions (optional)
Calculate the enthalpy of combustion for the three alcohol sources. Which
alcohol produces the most energy per mole?
Propan-1-ol and propan-2-ol are isomers (same molecular
formula, different structures). Would they produce the same amount of
heat on combustion?
Alcohols can be used as a substitute for hydrocarbon fuels, and so
methods of producing alcohols are very important. What process converts
sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide?
Explain how much CO2 is being released in each reaction - back up your
rational with your stoichiometry
Which alcohol is the most efficient fuel source?
Enthalpy of combustion source: [Link]
Conclusion
The hypothesis was correct/incorrect. This is because.... (be sure to justify with your data here)
7. Evaluation
Validity of method
The results we found can/cannot be trusted. The method worked/was flawed.
Causes of inaccuracy:
Causes of imprecision:
Causes of unfairness:
Causes of unreliability:
Improvements
Improvements to flaw that caused inaccuracy:
Improvements to flaw that caused imprecision:
Improvements to flaw that caused unfairness:
Improvements to flaw that caused unreliability:
8. Resources:
Energy changes and energy diagrams (exo, endo, activation energy, etc)
[Link]
Enthalpy of combustion
[Link]
Bon energy calculations
[Link]
Grading criteria:
Criterion B: Inquiring and designing:
i. explain a problem or question to be tested by a scientific investigation
ii. formulate and explain a testable hypothesis using correct scientific reasoning
iv. Evaluate safety of the method
Criterion C: Processing and evaluating:
i. correctly collect, organize, transform and present data in numerical and/ or visual forms
ii. accurately interpret data and explain results using correct scientific reasoning
iv. evaluate the validity of the method based on the outcome of a scientific investigation
v. explain improvements or extensions to the method that would benefit the scientific investigation
Wear eye protection throughout. LIST OF CHEMICALS: (the ones in grey
we will not be using).
Methanol, CH3OH(l), (HIGHLY FLAMMABLE, TOXIC) – see CLEAPSS Hazcard
HC040b. Methanol is volatile and has a low flash point.
Ethanol, CH3CH2OH(l), (HIGHLY FLAMMABLE) – see CLEAPSS Hazcard
HC040A. Ethanol is volatile and has a low flash point.
Propan-1-ol, CH3CH2CH2OH(l), (HIGHLY FLAMMABLE, IRRITANT, HARMFUL) –
see CLEAPSS Hazcard HC084A. Propan-1-ol is volatile and has a low flash
point.
Propan-2-ol, CH3CHOHCH3(l), (HIGHLY FLAMMABLE, IRRITANT, HARMFUL) –
see CLEAPSS Hazcard HC084A. Propan-2-ol is volatile and has a low flash
point.
Butan-1-ol, CH3CH2CH2CH2OH(l), (HIGHLY FLAMMABLE, IRRITANT,
HARMFUL) – see CLEAPSS Hazcard HC084B. Butan-1-ol is volatile and has
a low flash point.
