Austin Munroe

Chemistry
1/23/16
Steve Smith

Calorimetry Background Information

This experiment was undertaken to break down and understand how energy in food is measured
and to understand caloric energy in different samples of food. Also deepen our understanding
understanding of what a calorie is and how it relates to other forms of energy. Using a
calorimetry in a fume hood we began testing and attempting to find the caloric energy in a
sample of Marshmallows, Cheetos, Fritos, Lay's Potato Chips and Popcorn. With a calorimeter,
these samples were weighed then set alight inside the calorimeter. After the sampled burned the
temperature of the water in the calorimeter was measured and the remaining sample was weighed
to find the caloric energy and the efficiency of the calorimeter we built. Weights and
temperatures were taken to find the caloric density and calories in these samples.
The Following equation is of the combustion of sucrose (common table sugar). Broken down
into its individual atoms and the new bonds formed after the sucrose (C12H12O11) reacts with
oxygen (O2) when applied with the necessary energy to start this reaction. In this example the
energy added is heat. As the reaction occurs the sucrose and oxygen in the surrounding
environment break down into three different elements carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. When these
molecules break down into their individual atoms, the bonds break down and release their energy
as heat. These atoms then form new bonds with each other and create 2 new products. carbon
dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). Both of these elements are in a much more stable form and
therefore contain less energy than its previous form.
Figure #1; sucrose combustion particle representation

Reactions, like the combustion of sucrose (C12H12O11) happen when the right preexisting
conditions occur. For this simple combustion of sucrose, thermal energy needs to be added to the
reactants. This energy is required to start this reaction, it breaks down the bonds holding the
individual's atoms in proximity to each other, this release the potential energy in the reactants. As
the bonds break the energy is released. The atoms then form more stable molecules with each
other and create new bonds with these other atoms. The energy released is then absorbed in the
same way it was released, heat, thermal energy or chemical energy exct.
When we look at calorie and the process in which a calorimeter works it's important to know
how a calorie, a joule and a Calorie relate to each other and the connections between them. The
calorie is a measurement of energy in food. We measure calories in the heating of water. 1 calorie
is measured as heating 1 gram of water 1 degree celsius. This is when we burn these calories
(food) and the heat released is absorbed by water. This water is what is measured and the change
in temperature will tell how many calories are in that sample. Joules are a measurement of
physical energy. I joules is equal to 4186 calories and the 1 calorie is equal to 4.186 joules. The
energy released in food can translate to movement or energy in the physical world. A Calorie, is
the larger unit of the calorie. The difference in preservation is the the capital C. The Calorie is a
thousand times larger. That means that 1 Calorie can heat 1 gram of water 1000 degrees 0r 1000
grams of water 1 degree celsius. Both of these relate to joules and the mechanical model of
energy. Despite how energy can be used in equations and chemistry. There is a loss of heat
released from the food item inside the calorimeter

When we look at the basic design of the calorimeter we have a combustion chamber and a
compartment above with water. The water above the absorbs the heat from the food
or material been combusted inside the chamber. This heat is measured as thermal energy in the
water. This becomes an effect way to measure the energy of the food and the heat released from
the reaction of combustion. This change in temperature multiplied by the amount of water heated
can give the potential caloric energy absorbed by your own body.
When we measure heat we are measuring the energy released from the bonds holding the atoms
together being destroyed and re forming. This energy is released as combustion and can only be
effectively measured once it's absorbed into a stable material. For example, the water in a
calorimeter. The water acts as a heat sink and holds the thermal energy. Then the temperature of
the water can then be taken. There is some loss of energy in the transfer from heat source to
water or absorbing material.
The terminal energy that is absorbed into a substance, can be measured by taken the temperature
of that substance. This is why calorimeters and similar devices that calculate and measure energy
use temtures of heat sinks like water or other materials.
There are two types of chemical reactions. The first is an endothermic reaction between two or
more chemicals. This reaction is commonly seen in instant cold patches or similar reactions. This
reaction instead of producing energy in the form of heat, absorbs the energy from its
surroundings and lowers the products in temperature. The second is an exothermic. With this
reaction two or more chemicals are reacting with the right conditions. This reaction requires an
initial energy source to start the reaction and break down the bonds holding the atoms together.
This release the potential energy inside. The atoms then come back together and form new stable
molecule. An example of this reaction was stated as the beginning of this article with the
combustion of sucrose.
The purpose and use for calorimeter is to measure the caloric energy found in the food we eat
and other organic materials. A calorimeter derives the caloric energy from the sample and can be
used to find the possible energy the human body can absorb and use from that sample of food.
This also serves as a tool to finding the caloric density of different foods that we encounter in our
daily lives. This can be used to find more effective food sources for individuals based on daily
calorie needs. For athletes, foods could be measured to find the most effective for long or short
exertions of energy.
Figure #2; Basic Calorimeter