Stage 1 Chemistry

Molar Enthalpy of Combustion of Alcohols

Part A Deconstruction:
Which Fuel is Best for Use for Camping?
SACE ID: 169598L

Gursimrat Kaur
Year 11 Preston
 Stage 1 Chemistry Which Fuel is Best for Use in a Camping Burner? SACE ID: 169598L

Definition of Fuel: A fuel is defined as a substance that is burned to produce heat, power, or nuclear
energy. It is a material which provides heat and energy upon burning. Since energy cannot be
produced or destroyed, it must be transformed into another form through the use of fuels. (What is
a fuel?, 2022). Fuels and Enthalpy: Enthalpies of combustion are frequently used as a foundation for
comparing the heating value of fuels since it is often more cost-effective to use the fuel that
provides the most heat for a given cost (BBC.Bitesize,2022). Comparing the stabilities of chemical
compounds also makes use of the enthalpies of combustion of pure substances.Different
compounds will release various amounts of energy during combustion reactions. Enthalpies of
combustion can be used to compare which substances or fuels burn with the highest energy output .

Types of Fuels: Structure of Fuels:

-Coal: has a large negative impact on the environment Alcohols: are made up of carbon, oxygen and
because it pollutes the air, isn’t hydrogen atoms. For example, ethanol is from a
sustainable/renewable and increases global warming. alcohol derivative family of chemicals.
-Parrafin: Less availability and accessibility. LPG: is made of propene, propane, butene and butane which all
-Biofuel: a very expensive form of energy. are volatile hydrocarbons.
-Alcohols: Cheap to buy, super lightweight, uses
accessible materials, however have slow cooking time.
-Gasoline: Can be highly explosive and dangerous.
-Natural gas: Less expensive, however has non-
renewable, limited source of energy (faster running
out time), difficult to harness and storage difficulties.
-LPG: portable, affordable, safe, clear burning.

Methods of Combustion:
-Campfire: could use paraffin or lighter.
-Spirit Burner: is only intended for alcohols.
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-Camping Heater
-Camping Stoves: Can utilise LPG (propane).
 Stage 1 Chemistry Which Fuel is Best for Use in a Camping Burner? SACE ID: 169598L
What is an Octane Rating?
An octane rating is a number that serves as a common measurement method. It is used to evaluate a fuel's
anti-knock properties and how much compression it can endure without detonating. If the value is high, the
fuel can withstand additional compression without exploding.

Vital Considerations (LPG and Alcohol Fuels)

-Cold tolerance: Alcohols do have slight problems to get started, however, once they are started, they work just like
normal. An example is Ethanol because it would not freeze despite the cold weather and would work like normal. LPG is
another very winter tolerant fuel as it does not freeze even in extreme winter conditions. The freezing point is -188 °C.
Hence, LP gas is also very beneficial to utilise in winter conditions. Another effective fuel in the cold weather is gasoline
because it is easy to ignite, however it performs poorly in terms of safety due to its high volatility.
-Availability: The most available fuel that can be bought easily is Gasoline because it can be found in every service
station. Gasoline is very available that it can even be found in remote areas. Another highly available fuel is LPG, however
its ease of access is slightly lower than gasoline. Lastly, Alcohols are difficult to find, yet it depends on which alcohol is
being searched since some alcohols are more common than others.
-Ease of Handling & Storage: There are some differences with gas and liquid fuels and their handling. Firstly, storing
liquid fuels more difficult and hazardous than gases. Many liquid fuels are volatile, resulting them to be unsafe. Due to
the fact that liquid fuels being opened and poured, they can be left unsealed, resulting in being exposed to the air. The
most efficient fuel in terms of effective storage would be the LP gases. Propane, Butane and Isobutane are very efficient
for storage and can be stored without many severe complications.
-Burn Efficiency: The fuel with the optimal burn efficiency and anti-knocking ability would be the LPG: Propane. Alcohols
are not as efficient as LP gases as they only burn for 10-12 minutes with consideration of environmental factors.
However, out of the alcohols, the most clean burning one would be Ethanol.
-Affordability: The least expensive and cost effective fuel is gasoline with propane a close runner-up. White gas is also a
very cost effective fuel. Alcohols are varied on affordability as there are many types of alcohol fuels and they all have
varied costs; some are readily available and cheap but others like ethanol are expensive to use.
-Cleanliness: A clean fuel would not have much soot or invisible The cleanest fuel that can be bought would be LPG as it
is clean, hygienic and easy to handle without creating a mess. However, Alcohol is also a very clean fuel (ethanol being
the cleanest burning alcohol). Nevertheless, gas fuels are considered the cleanest fuels due to their smoke-free burning.
Fuel Type Advantages Disadvantages
LPG -LPG is very easy to utilise in transport as it is -LPG can cause suffocation in the case of a leakage as
lightweight and has the ability to be stored efficiently the LP gas can be heavier than air.
without complications. -can also be extracted from environmentally harmful
-Has a high heating value and burning rate. Is faster at sources such as low standard oil, shale gas and etc.
heating and is also cost efficient as it provides the -Sometimes the availability of this fuel can be limited.
value to its price; also burns consistently, making itself -LPG is very hazardous as it is pretty inflammable; if
reliable. LPG has a very high octane number which is LPG leaks, it will evaporate and form lage clouds of
more than 100. gas. These gases eventually sneak into low locations
-LPG is a very clean and hygienic type of fuel as it does such as basements and drains. This is dangerous
not contain any sulfur. because this fuel can create a danger of a fire,
-It is very environmentally friendly as it only releases explosion or suffocation hazard. LPG also should not
81% of the carbon dioxide that oil does and only 70% be come in contact with the skin because it can
of the carbon dioxide that coal does; LPG is very non- create cold burns. Additionally, it can become an
toxic and non-corrosive in nature. asphyxiant if it remains in high concentration areas.
Alcohols -Has a very high octane number (above 100), resulting -The heat output is very low and hence resulting in
it to be more stable and anti-knocking. exceedingly amounts of time taken for cooking.
-Has an exceptionally good flame speed. -Are not fully safe and can create severe burns and/or
-Is beneficial for the environment because Alcohol health issues if used innapropriately.
fuels create less hazardous emissions than gasoline. -Are sometimes hard to find, hence less available in
-Are very light to handle and store. Hence, are very remote areas.
portable, making them a great fuel for moving around. - Alcohol is very flammable and should never be kept
close to an open flame. However, alcohol may lead to

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 Stage 1 Chemistry Which Fuel is Best for Use in a Camping Burner? SACE ID: 169598L

-Materials stoves are free of maintenance, hence no dangerous health issues if it is drunk in any way (such
hoses/pumps need to be maintained. as breathing problems, bp, heart problems). The
-Are clean and easy to use. Not much cleaning is hazards are therefore quite substantial.
required. - Are also hard to afford in large amounts.

By analysing these different types of fuels, it is evident that their qualities vary. However, it is
obvious that Alcohols contain the most beneficial quialities because of their light weight, easy
handling, competent availability and affordability, variety and incredible octane number. However,
apart from these characteristics, alcohol fuels are also very easy to handle and safe to use in a class
environment. They are much more safer than LP gases. Apart from that Alcohols are also recognised
as more environmentally friendly as they create less emissions than that of other fuels. Hence, for
the experimental investigation, alcohols fuels will be utilised.

Experimentation of Method
Aim: To determine the enthalpy of combustion for a number of alcohols including Methanol, Ethanol, Propanol, Pentanol,
Hexanol and Butanol.
Variables Description Justification
Independent Alcohols and their composition of structure The composition of the structure cannot be affected
(Methanol, Ethanol, Propanol, Pentanol, Hexanol by anything as it is itself. However, it has the ability
and Butanol) to impact the results.

Dependent Molar Enthalpy of Alcohols (the temperature rise The molar enthalpy will be affected by the
of alcohol between their initial and final resting independent variable which is the structures of the
points and the changes in the mass of alcohols) alcohols. The groups of 𝐶𝐻2 that were added
influenced the results of the molar enthalpy.
Controlled - The scale used to measure properties (mass) of All of these variables were kept neutral for each
(Method 1: the alcohols alcohol in the length of the experiment. They
Spirit Burner - The thermometer used to measure alcohols’ remained the same and were not changed. A
Calorimetry) temperature controlled variable is held constant and limited in a
- The person observing results and recording scientific study and all of these variables were
Controlled - The amount of the fuel (20mL) unchanged throughout the course of the experiment.
(Method 2: - The amount of the water (100mL)
Bomb - The person observing results and recording
Calorimetry) - The calorimeter
Method 1: Spirit Burner Calorimetry Method 2: Bomb Calorimetry

Safety Considerations: Alcohol is very flammable and should never be kept close to an open flame. The Alcohols also may
lead to dangerous health issues if consumed in any way (such as breathing problems, bp, heart problems). The hazards are
therefore quite severe.The heating equipment would be extremely hot after heating and might result in burns and
irritation. Materials that are brittle and likely to break, like glassware, can injure humans if they do. (Apparatus like
beakers and thermometers). Hence, safety lab equipment (including lab coat, glasses, etc) should be worn, students
should be attentive while performing the experiment, the method should be thoroughly and carefully followed and all
materials should be kept in stable positions which will not harm in any way. Page | 3
 Stage 1 Chemistry Which Fuel is Best for Use in a Camping Burner?
Method 1: Spirit Lamp and Calorimeter
Materials:
- Copper can
- Retort stand (with 2 clamps and bosses)
- Spirit Burner
- Wood Block
- Water
- Bunsen Burner
- Wood splints
- Metal Tongs
- Balancer (has precision ability for weighing 0.01g)
- Thermometer (-5 °C to -50 °C (in 0.1 °C))
- Alcohols (Methanol, Ethanol, Propanol, Pentanol,
Hexanol and Butanol)
Method (1)
1. Fill the calorimeter with water at room temperature until it is
1.5 cm below the rim. Take note of this volume.
2. Use a wood splint to light the spirit lamp and place it away
from the calorimeter. Using metal tweezers, adjust the wick's
height until you get a flame that is about 1 cm high.
3. Weigh the spirit lamp precisely, including the cap, and record
the weight.
4. Take the temperature of the water to the nearest 0.1°C after
it has been stirred in the calorimeter.
5. Light the lamp and place it beneath the calorimeter.
6. Stir the water in the calorimeter slowly and continually while
keeping an eye on the thermometer. Extinguish the flame as
soon as the temperature has increased by roughly 10°C, and
then replace the cap right away. Keep stirring while noting the
water's highest temperature.
7. Record the mass after weighing the spirit lamp and cap it
again.
8. Pour the water away while keeping both of them carefully
together and without removing the calorimeter from the
stand.
9. Repeat these instructions with the rest of the alcohols
(Methanol, Ethanol, Propanol, Pentanol, Hexanol and
Butanol)
Justification:
In this experiment a measured mass of an alcohol was burned in a spirit
lamp and the heat energy was transmitted to a water filled calorimeter.
The heat of combustion was determined by calculating the ensuing
temperature increase.This method is able to determine the
combustion of heat of the alcohols by somewhat limiting the errors too.
Errors are somewhat limited because a copper container is used
instead of a beaker. Although the equipment is built to pass the
majority of the energy to the calorimeter, a sizeable amount escapes
into the surrounding air. The heat energy is released in a flame.
SACE ID: 169598L
Materials:
- Measuring Cylinder
- Alcohol (for Methanol, Ethanol,
Propanol, Pentanol, Hexanol and
Butanol
- A beaker
- A bomb Calorimeter
Method (2):
1. Set the bomb calorimeter by placing on
a stable surface and adding 200mL of
water into the bucket.
2. Add 20mL if hydrocarbon fuel to the
crucible.
3. Place the lid on top of the bomb and
put the theromometer into the water.
4. Observe and record the temperature
as initial temperature.
5. Send the electric current through the
ignition coil to start the reaction.
6. Stir the water to maintain a consistent
temperature.
7. Observe the thermometer thoroughly
and record the highest occurring
temperature as the ‘final temperature’.
8. Repeat these instructions with the rest
of the alcohols (Methanol, Ethanol,
Propanol, Pentanol, Hexanol and
Butanol)
Justification:
In this experiment, there was a complex
calorimeter. This method is able to determine
the combustion of heat of the alcohols by also
limiting the errors too. Errors are limited
because the heat is trapped by the calorimeter
and it does not escape into the surroundings.
However, this is not a classroom friendly
experiment as the students are unskilled to
perform such experiments and the materials.
However, this is not a classroom friendly
experiment as the students are unskilled to
perform such experiments and the materials.
Decision: Both methods are enhanced to
determine the enthalpy of combustion.
However, Method two is more classroom-
friendly and safer to use with unexperienced
students. Also, Method 2 is an expensive choice
and it would cost a lot to bring it in a classroom.
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Stage 1 Chemistry Which Fuel is Best for Use in a Camping Burner? SACE ID: 169598L

Bibliography

2022. [online] Available at: <https://www.toppr.com/guides/chemistry/combustion-and-

fuel/introduction-to-fuel-and-fuel-efficiency/> [Accessed 12 September 2022].

Enthalpy of combustion - chemical energy - higher chemistry revision - BBC Bitesize (no date) BBC
News. BBC. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z8p72hv/revision/3 (Accessed:
October 8, 2022).

Heid, M. et al. (2021) Pack heat, not weight: Pros and cons of Alcohol Stoves, Appalachian Mountain
Club. Available at: https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/gear/pros-and-cons-of-
alcohol-stoves/ (Accessed: October 7, 2022).

Peter, P. (2019) Camping Stove Fuels explained and ranked: Propane, butane, kerosene, white gas
and more, Decide Outside. Available at: https://decideoutside.com/camping-stove-fuels-explained-
and-ranked/ (Accessed: October 3, 2022).

Quantitative chemistry (2021) Practical Chemistry. Available at: https://practical-

chemistry.com/practical-work/chemistry/quantitative-chemistry/ (Accessed: October 7, 2022).

Toppr (no date) Combustion - definition, types of combustion, examples - TOPPR-guides. Available
at: https://www.toppr.com/guides/chemistry/combustion-and-flame/introduction-and-types-of-
combustion/ (Accessed: October 12, 2022).

Vedantu. 2022. What is a fuel?. [online] Available at: <https://www.vedantu.com/question-

answer/give-short-answers-what-is-fuel-class-11-chemistry-cbse-60c36bee3814e62671faa06e>
[Accessed 12 September 2022].

Werner, P. (2017) 7 advantages of alcohol backpacking stoves, SectionHiker.com. Available at:

https://sectionhiker.com/7-advantages-of-alcohol-backpacking-stoves/ (Accessed: October 10,
2022).

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Stage 1 Chemistry Which Fuel is Best for Use in a Camping Burner? SACE ID: 169598L

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Stage 1 Chemistry Which Fuel is Best for Use in a Camping Burner? SACE ID: 169598L

Introduction

A substance that is burned to produce heat, electricity, or nuclear energy is referred to as a fuel
(Peter, 2019). A fuel and an oxidant undergo a high-temperature exothermic process chemical
reaction known as combustion or burning to generate oxidised, frequently gaseous products in a
mixture known as smoke. Combustion can come in many types including complete combustion,
incomplete combustion, rapid combustion, spontaneous combustion and explosive combustion
(Toppr, 2022). Some common sources of combustion are gasoline, LP gas, kerosene, wood, coal and
crude oil (Peter, 2019).

Camping is spending time in a tent outdoors, typically on vacation (Cambridge, 2022). There are
various necessities for camping, and one of them is food, which is typically cooked. Fuels are
required to cook in a camp. These fuels should have certain qualities which make them optimal.
Burn effectiveness, weight, cold tolerance, cost, availability, cleanliness, and storage are a few
characteristics that make a fuel the best (Peter, 2019).

Alcohol can also be used as a source of combustion. Alcohol-based fuels are an alternative to
petroleum-based fuels since they produce fewer greenhouse gases, less harmful exhaust, and have
improved energy efficiency overall (Peter, 2019). Furthermore, because of their high octane rating,
fast burning rates, and broader flammability restrictions, they are sometimes more beneficial to use.
Some diadvantages of alcohol fuels are needed more in quantity due to having a low calorific value.
However, Alcohol fuels are expensive, hence buying large quantities can be difficult.

The quantity of heat emitted during burning determines a fuel's heat value (BBC.Bitesize, 2022).
Heat value, which is also known as energy or calorific value, measures the energy density of a fuel
and is represented in energy (joules). Compared to other camp cooking fuels, propane produces
more heat per pound of weight (around 21,500 BTU).

Aim

To determine the enthalpy of combustion for a number of alcohols including Methanol, Ethanol,
Propanol, Pentanol, Hexanol and Butanol.

Hypothesis

It is predicted that if the number of carbon atoms in an alcohol network rises, the enthalpy of
burning will also rise.

Scientific Reasoning

Burning more carbon and hydrogen atoms results in the production of more heat. The ratio of the
number of carbon and hydrogen atoms in a molecule to its relative molecular mass. As a result,
alcohol burns with more heat as its relative molecular mass rises (BBC.Bitesize, 2022).

Variables

Independent:

- Alcohols (Methanol, Ethanol, Propanol, Pentanol, Hexanol and Butanol)

Dependent:

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Stage 1 Chemistry Which Fuel is Best for Use in a Camping Burner? SACE ID: 169598L

- Molar Enthalpy of Alcohols (the temperature rise of alcohol between their initial and final
resting points and the changes in the mass of alcohols)

Controlled:

- The amount of water used per alcohol (100mL)

- Thermometer which was used to measure the temperature
- The distance between the wick and calorimeter (1cm)
- Constant use of materials/apparatus
- The scale used to measure the Alcohols’ mass
Uncontrolled:
- External environment (could potentially impact the cold tolerance, burn efficiency of
alcohol)
- Initial and final temperatures of water
- Initial and final mass of burner after heating
- There was no apparatus used to shield the heat energy that was lost due to the exothermic
reaction.
- Because the alcohols used in the experiments are volatile, it takes less energy for the
molecules to break their intermolecular connections, allowing them to expand and leave the
liquid as gas.
- Burn efficiency, time, cold tolerance, of alcohol
Apparatus
- 250mL beaker (x2)
- Thermometer
- Alcohol Burner (Methanol, Ethanol, Propanol, Pentanol, Hexanol and Butanol)
- 100mL measuring cylinder
- Metal Thongs
- Tripod
- Funnel
- Gauze Mat
- Water (100mL (× 6))
- Match Sticks
- 30cm Ruler
- Scale
Method
1. A selected alcohol burner was weighed on a scale. The alcohol burner's mass was noted. (It was
made sure that the burner's wick was expanded by around 1 cm.)
2. The measuring cylinder was used to pour 100mL of water into the metal calorimeter.
3. The alcohol burner was placed under the metal calorimeter containing 100mL of water. The
distance between the top of the wick and the calorimeter was approximately 1 cm.
4. The temperature of the water was measured and recorded.
5. The wick was lit and allowed to heat the beaker.
6. The water was stirred with the thermometer as it was heated.
7. The burner was extinguished when the temperature was increased by 20’C. The highest
temperature was waited upon and that temperature was recorded.
8. The cooled down burner was reweighed and the new mass was recorded. The changes in mass
were calculated and the mass of alcohol used was recorded.
9. The standard enthalpy of combustion for the alcohol was calculated.
10. Steps 1, 3-9 were repeated for the remaining alcohols.

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 Stage 1 Chemistry Which Fuel is Best for Use in a Camping Burner? SACE ID: 169598L

Safety Risk/Assessment of Hazards

Table 1: Analysis of Safety Risks and assessment of Hazards

Safety Risk Likelihood of Hazard Precautions

Alcohols Alcohols have a high flammability
level and are very dangerous if kept
near naked fire. However, if it gets
consumed in any way, alcohols can
create hazardous health problems
(such as breathing problems, bp,
heart problems). Hence the risks are
very high.
- Protective clothing should be worn
(lab coats, glasses).
- Alcohols should be kept with
caution, should be watched.
- Do not let the alcohols come in
contact with skin and eyes. Also,
should not be consumed or sniffed.
- Hands should be washed after use.

Alcohols burner If the burner's glass cools down too
quickly, it may break. Blowing out the
flame might be dangerous since it
would volatize the combustible liquid.
- Wear Protective lab clothing.
- Follow the method carefully.
- Only use how much is needed. Do
not burn after required amount.
- Place burner in a stable position.

Heating apparatus After heating, the apparatus would be - Attentiveness is required.

very hot and can cause burns and - Leaving apparatus time to cool down
inflamations. before touching/handling.
- Using suitable safety apparatus to
handle hot apparatus (eg: tongs)

Other Apparatus Fragile and vulnerable to break - Attentivness is required.

materials such as glassware can injure
if they break. (Apparatus such as
thermometer, beakers)
- Following the method and handling
instructions strictly and carefully.
- Using as much carefulness before,
while and after using apparatus.
(Picking up fragile apparatus with
both hands, using carefulness,
avoiding forceful usage and leaving
them away from the edge of the
bench).

Results:

Table 2: Data Obtained of Mass Change of Alcohols Before and After Burning
Molar Mass (g/mol) Initial Mass of Final Mass of
Alcohol Alcohol Burner (g) Alcohol Burner (g) Mass Change
Methanol 32.042 240.45 238.29 2.16
Ethanol 46.068 228.67 226.92 1.75
Propan-1-ol 60.095 236.57 235.35 1.22
Butan-1-ol 74.121 232.95 231.71 1.24
Pentan-1-ol 88.15 255.16 253.69 1.47
Hexan-1-ol 102.172 246.52 245.49 1.03

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Stage 1 Chemistry Which Fuel is Best for Use in a Camping Burner? SACE ID: 169598L

Table: Data Obtained of Temperature Change of Initial and Final of Water

Temperature Initial Temperature Final Temperature

Alcohol (°C) (°C) Change (°C)
Methanol 16 39 23
Ethanol 16 39.5 23.5
Propan-1-ol 16 37 21
Butan-1-ol 17 39 22
Pentan-1-ol 17 39 22
Hexan-1-ol 17 40 23

Enthalpy of Combustion Results (Experimental, Literature, and Class Average Values)

Alcohol Enthalpy of Standard Enthalpy of Class Average of

Combustion Combustion Enthalpy of
(𝑲𝑱. 𝑴𝒐𝒍−𝟏 ) Literature Value Combustion
(𝑲𝑱. 𝑴𝒐𝒍−𝟏 ) (𝑲𝑱. 𝑴𝒐𝒍−𝟏 )
Methanol -142.6076667 -726 -131.9254708
Ethanol -258.5974914 -1367 -222.3225701
Propan-1-ol -432.3956459 -2021 -320.6841766
Butan-1-ol -549.7057323 -2676 -539.4622029
Pentan-1-ol -551.4472109 -3324 -562.5101189
Hexan-1-ol -953.5781243 -3978 -837.8081668

Calculations:

Methanol

Formulas of Calculations Calculations

Calculating the Quantity of Heat: Q = 100 × 4.18 × (16 − 39)
𝑄 = 𝑀𝑐𝛥𝑡 Q = −9614
Calculating the Number of Moles 240.45 − 238.29
𝑚 Q=
𝑛= 32.04
𝑀 n = 0.06741573034mol
Calculating the Enthalpy of Combustion −9614
𝑄 ΔHc =
1000 × 0.06741573034
𝛥𝐻𝑐 =
1000 × 𝑛 = −142.61Kj. mol−1

Ethanol

Formulas of Calculations Calculations

Calculating the Quantity of Heat: Q = 100 × 4.18 × (16 − 39.5)
𝑄 = 𝑀𝑐𝛥𝑡 Q = −9823
Calculating the Number of Moles 228.67 − 226.92
𝑚 Q=
𝑛= 46.07
𝑀 n = 0.037985674mol
Calculating the Enthalpy of Combustion −9823
𝑄 ΔHc =
1000 × 0.037985674
𝛥𝐻𝑐 =
1000 × 𝑛 = 258.6Kj. mol−1

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Stage 1 Chemistry Which Fuel is Best for Use in a Camping Burner? SACE ID: 169598L

Propanol

Formulas of Calculations Calculations

Calculating the Quantity of Heat: Q = 100 × 4.18 × (16 − 37)
𝑄 = 𝑀𝑐𝛥𝑡 Q = −8778
Calculating the Number of Moles 236.57 − 235.35
𝑚 Q=
𝑛= 60.096
𝑀 n = 0.020300852mol
Calculating the Enthalpy of Combustion −8778
𝑄 ΔHc =
1000 × 0.020300852
𝛥𝐻𝑐 =
1000 × 𝑛 = −432.4Kj. mol−1

Butanol

Formulas of Calculations Calculations

Calculating the Quantity of Heat: Q = 100 × 4.18 × (17 − 39)
𝑄 = 𝑀𝑐𝛥𝑡 Q = −9196
Calculating the Number of Moles 232.95 − 231.71
𝑚 Q=
𝑛= 74.123
𝑀 n = 0.016728951mol
Calculating the Enthalpy of Combustion −9196
𝑄 ΔHc =
1000 × 0.016728951
𝛥𝐻𝑐 =
1000 × 𝑛 = −549.71Kj. mol−1

Pentanol

Formulas of Calculations Calculations

Calculating the Quantity of Heat: Q = 100 × 4.18 × (17 − 39)
𝑄 = 𝑀𝑐𝛥𝑡 Q = −9196
Calculating the Number of Moles 255.16 − 253.69
𝑚 Q=
𝑛= 88.15
𝑀 n = 0.01667612mol
Calculating the Enthalpy of Combustion −9196
𝑄 ΔHc =
1000 × 0.01667612
𝛥𝐻𝑐 =
1000 × 𝑛 = −551.45Kj. mol−1

Hexanol

Formulas of Calculations Calculations

Calculating the Quantity of Heat: Q = 100 × 4.18 × (17 − 40)
𝑄 = 𝑀𝑐𝛥𝑡 Q = −9614
Calculating the Number of Moles 246.52 − 245.49
𝑚 Q=
𝑛= 88.15
𝑀 n = 0.01667612mol
Calculating the Enthalpy of Combustion −9196
𝑄 ΔHc =
1000 × 0.01667612
𝛥𝐻𝑐 =
1000 × 𝑛 = −551.45Kj. mol−1

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Stage 1 Chemistry Which Fuel is Best for Use in a Camping Burner? SACE ID: 169598L

Graphs

Graph 1: Molar Enthalpy of Combustion of Alcohols (Experimental Value):

[Enthalpy of combustion values are all intended to be negative as they include exothermic reactions]

Molar Enthalpy of Combustion of Alcohols Results

1200
Enthalpy of Combustion (KJ. Mol-1)

1000
y = 144.31x - 23.683
800 R² = 0.9125

600

400

200

0
Methanol Ethanol Propan-1-ol Butan-1-ol Pentan-1-ol Hexan-1-ol
Alcohols

Enthalpy of Combustion Results (Experimental, Literature, and Class Average Values)

[Enthalpy of combustion values are all intended to be negative as they include exothermic reactions]

Enthalpy of Combustion Results (Experimental, Literature and Class Average Values)

4500

4000 y = 651.03x - 580.96

R² = 1
3500

3000

2500

2000

1500
y = 144.31x - 167.99
1000 R² = 0.9125

500
y = 136.25x - 177.34
0 R² = 0.9567
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
-500

Enthalpy of Combustion
Standard Enthalpy of Combustion Literature Value
Class Average of Enthalpy of Combustion
Linear (Enthalpy of Combustion )
Linear (Standard Enthalpy of Combustion Literature Value )
Linear (Class Average of Enthalpy of Combustion )

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Percentage of Errors Present in each Alcohol

Formula:
experimental value−literature value
Percentage of Error = × 100
literature value

Alcohols Percentage of Error

Methanol 80.357%
Ethanol 81.083%
Propanol 78.605%
Butanol 79.458%
Pentanol 86.124%
Hexanol 71.373%

Discussion

Bonds are broken and new bonds are generated during chemical processes, which results in energy
changes. Hess's Law states that enthalpy changes can be computed from experimental data
regardless of the direction chosen. Enthalpy of combustion is the difference in enthalpy that results
from the complete combustion of one mole of a substance in air or oxygen at a specific temperature.

Enthalpies are measured in this research as negative numbers since exothermic processes, which
release heat into the environment, are known to occur. By burning the alcohols under precise
conditions and using the energy generated to heat a known mass of water, the enthalpy of
combustion was thus determined.

The standard enthalpy of combustion value increased with the length of the alcohol's hydrocarbon
chain. The literature values are examples of this theory because when an additional 𝐶𝐻2 is added for
each alcohol, there is an average increase of -650 Kj. mol−1 . To prove this, Methanol and Ethanol
have a difference of 641 Kj. mol−1 , then Ethanol and Propanol have a difference of 654 Kj. mol−1
and additionally, Propanol and Butanol have the difference of 655 Kj. mol−1 . As an average, they all
have an increase of 650 Kj. mol−1 approximately. However, as each 𝐶𝐻2 is added in each alcohol, it
is evident that more energy is required to break the bonds. Due to the fact that 𝐶𝐻2 is a highly
strong bond that requires more energy to break, the more 𝐶𝐻2 groups are added, the more energy
will be required to break the bonds.

These are equation examples of the complete combustion of alcohols which support the results:

3
Methanol: CH3 OH + O2 → 2H2 O + CO2 ΔH = −726 Kj. mol−1 .
2

Butanol: C4 H9 OH + 6O2 → 5H2 O + 4CO2 ΔH = −2676 Kj. mol−1 .

Hexanol: C6 H14 OH + 9O2 → 7H2 O + 6CO2 ΔH = −3974 Kj. mol−1 .

Therefore, the aforementioned equations are known as combustion reactions, which happen when a
chemical interacts quickly with oxygen.

The values from the class experiment and the values from the literature differ drastically. The first
obvious distinction between them in the graph's visual structure (Graph 2)is that the literature
values line is straight, and its R-squared value is 1. The experimental results, however, are flawed
since they do not result in a straight line and have an R-squared value that is near to one. The values

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Stage 1 Chemistry Which Fuel is Best for Use in a Camping Burner? SACE ID: 169598L

of the enthalpy of combustion for each alcohol also drastically differ from each other. An example of
this mismatch is that Methanol in the experimental values is −131.93 𝐾𝐽. 𝑀𝑜𝑙−1 while the literature
value is -726 𝐾𝐽. 𝑀𝑜𝑙 −1 . This large discrepancy is also evident in the rest of the alcohols and the
difference between the experimental and literature values grew with the rest of the alcohols.

There must’ve been many errors (random and systematic) and uncontrolled factors for such
discrepancies to occur. This could occur due to the incorrect length of the wick, inconsistent stirring
of water, the loss of heat to the surroundings, the rime delay for the combustion to occur and
incomplete combustion. Incomplete equipment and the failure to properly follow instructions
could’ve limited the precision and accuracy of the experiment and have created such discrepancies
in the results.

Random Errors
Random Errors are those which limit the precision of the experiment, however still have close
accuracy the the correct results. This can even just be a random discrepancy between something's
true values and what is actually observed. There were some random errors which occurred in the
experiments.
Firstly, the size might not have been precise even if the wick of the alcohol burners had been
measured at a distance of 1 cm from the beaker. This would have caused changes to happen, which
would have changed the quantity of heat lost in the surroundings. To fix this error and limit it in the
future, size and calculations should be double checked and carefully/precisely recorded. Advanced
and more convenient materials should be utilised which make measuring precise sizes easy.
Additionally, another error that could’ve occurred would be the inconsistent stirring of the water in
the beaker. Since it is crucial for determining the characteristics of the materials used in the
experiment, the temperature of the solution must be precisely determined. In order to evenly
spread the heat in the system, it is necessary to stir the water consistently. Hence, if the water
wasn’t stirred properly, that would result in the heat being unevenly distributed. To improve this
error in the future, the method should be strictly followed with attentiveness.

Systematic Errors
The systematic errors are those which keep constant the precision of the results, however limit the
accuracy of the experiment.
A systematic error that could’ve occurred during the experiment would be the loss of heat.
Unwanted heat loss to the surroundings occurred and that resulted in the experimental value being
lower than the literature value. To improve this error, more sophisticated insulating equipment
should be used to disallow that heat to escape.
Another error was that the glass beaker was used and glass limited the accuracy of the experiment
because it isn’t a good conductor of heat. Hence, to limit this error, a good conductor of heat should
be used. An example of a successful heat conductor would be a copper container or more
specifically, a clamped copper calorimeter.

Evaluation
The enthalpy of combustion was predicted to grow as the fraction of carbon atoms in an alcohol
network does. As a result, the possibility has been partially confirmed because this did happen.
Despite the values rising with each alcohol, they were significantly lower than the values in the
literature because of the substantial heat loss to the environment. Due to the method's poor
performance and the data' inaccuracy, the theory could not be entirely matched. Graph 1 further

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Stage 1 Chemistry Which Fuel is Best for Use in a Camping Burner? SACE ID: 169598L

illustrates the disparity of values between the results between the experimental and literature
values.
The results are similar to the intended theory however are not as valid due to the errors. The
precision of the experiment was affected by the random errors as the results came scattered and
were varied. However, even with the random errors, the accuracy was alright because the results
were somewhat near the actual target. The accuracy of the experiment was affected by the
systematic errors as the results were similar to each other and wrong whatsoever and hence these
errors did not affect the precison. The results were also not valid due to the small sample size of the
class which was 4 different tests. This is not a representative sample size and cannot be referred to
as universal.

Conclusion

The experiment was somewhat successful because a pattern of the enthalpy of combustion of
alcohols was discovered, however, due to many errors, the values were drastically low. To improve
this, there should have been more enhanced equipment to use in the experiment in order to
decrease the errors.

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Stage 1 Chemistry Which Fuel is Best for Use in a Camping Burner? SACE ID: 169598L

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