Heat Of Combustion Lab

In this lab, we will measure the heat of combustion, or calorimetry, of a candle and compare the found quantity with known values for other hydrocarbons. The calorific value is the total thermal energy released when a substance goes through complete combustion with oxygen. In order to achieve the purpose of this lab, we must first determine the mass of the tea candle. Then, we will determine our room temperature, measure about 100 mL of chilled water, and then pour the water into the given empty soda can. Afterwards, we will set up the soda can and candle in a stacked-style apparatus - the candle underneath the lifted can. After we have set up the apparatus, we will carefully light the candle and gently stir the water with a stirring rod. We will continuously check the heat of the water with our thermometer in order to make sure the temperature is neither too high or too low. After the water is heated above room temperature as it was below room temperature at the start, we will extinguish the flame
We also need to understand the specifics of combustion, which is the chemical process of burning specific compounds and other items, and the specific heat capacity - the amount of thermal energy needed to increase the temperature of a given substance. Furthermore, determining the heat of combustion to compare to the values of other hydrocarbons - elements made entirely out of hydrogen and carbon - is very useful for the reasons listed above. As we know, the measurement of the quantity of heat exchanged of any type of thermal energy released is known as calorimetry - an entirely different science than we are used to. We are using each of these concepts throughout the lab experiment and are continuing to further our knowledge of each as