PEKA 2: To study the calorific value of several samples o food using a calorimeter

Aim:
To estimate the calorific value of several samples o food using a calorimeter.

Problem statement:
Which food sample has the highest calorific value?

Hypothesis:
The calorific value of groundnuts is higher than that of biscuit and chicken breast.

Variables:
Manipulated variables: Type of food sample
Responding variable: Change in temperature / calorific value of food Constant:
Mass of water

Materials: 1g of groundnuts, 1 g of biscuit, 1 g of chicken breast, cotton wool and distilled water
Apparatus: Retort stand, boiling tube, thermometer, shield, plasticine, and needle

Procedure:

1. The apparatus set-up was prepared as the above.

2. The type of food sample and its mass, mass of water in the calorimeter and initial temperature, T 1 on the
thermometer was recorded in the table.
3. Lighter was used to set the food sample alight.
4. The final temperature, T2 after the food sample has been completely burnt was observed and recorded.

Results:
Food sample Groundnut Biscuit Chicken breast
Mass of food sample(g)

Mass of water (g)

Initial temperature, T1 (℃)

Final Temperature, T2 (℃)

Change in temperature, T 2-T1 (℃)