Energy Changes in Chemical Reactions
All chemical reactions involve a change in energy. To determine the energy change of a reaction, the concept
of heat lost = heat gained is used. In this experiment you will determine the energy changes in two types of
reactions. All human activity requires “burning” food for energy. This lab investigates the energy released (in
kJ/g) as various foods burn.
PRE-LAB ASSIGNMENT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xi7gPQXwgAY
1. Read the entire procedure thoroughly.
2. Watch the Youtube Video of the procedure.
3. Use the space provided to rewrite each step in your own words. Include complete
instructions. NO COPYING AND PASTING
4. List all safety precautions for the lab.
Figure 1
PROCEDURE
1. Obtain and wear goggles. Tie back long hair. Materials for the lab will be at the lab station. Prepare the
food holder as shown in the video.
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2. Use the electronic balance to record the initial mass of the food sample and food holder. Record the mass in
the data table. CAUTION: Do not eat or drink in the laboratory.
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3. Use the electronic balance to find the mass of the empty can. Record the mass in the data table.
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4. Measure approximately 50 mL of cold tap water in a graduated cylinder. Add the water to the can. Find the
mass of the can and water on the balance. Record the mass in the data table. Use the thermometer to
determine the initial temperature of the water. Record the temperature in the data table.
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5. Set up the apparatus as shown in Figure 1. Use a ring and stirring rod to suspend the can about 2.5 cm (1
inch) above the food sample. Keep the thermometer in the can while heating.
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6. Place the food sample under the can. Light the food with a wooden splint. Allow the water to be heated
until the food sample stops burning. CAUTION: Keep hair and clothing away from open flames. Stand
back so that your face (and mask!) are far away from the flame.
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7. After the flame goes out, stir the water continuously until the temperature stops rising. Record the maximum
temperature that reached on the thermometer. Do not allow the thermometer to touch the can while heating.
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8. Use the electronic balance to determine the final mass of the food sample and food holder. Record the mass
in the data table.
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9. Empty and clean the can. Start from the beginning with the second food sample.
10.After both samples have been completed, place burned food, used matches, and partially burned wooden
splints in the disposal container. Wash and dry the outside of the can.
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DATA:
Food Sample CHEESE CURL MARSHMALLOW
Initial mass food and holder
Mass empty can
Mass can and water
Initial temperature water
Final temperature water
Final mass food and holder
List all safety precautions for the lab:
Calculations – SHOW ALL WORK in the space provided.
CHEESE CURL MARSHMALLOW
1. Mass of water
mass of water = mass can with water – mass empty can
2. Heat absorbed by the water, in kJ
q = m c ∆T for the water
3. Mass of food burned:
final mass of food and holder – initial mass of food and holder
4. Heat released in kJ/g food burned
kJ heat/g food
5. Heat released in food calorie/g (1 food calorie = 4.18 kJ)
dimensional analysis!
6. Percent error based on manufacturer values.
Wrap-Up:
The main energy source in a marshmallow is sucrose (C12H22O11). The balanced equation for the combustion of
sucrose is given below.
C12H22O11 + 12 02 12 CO2 + 11H20 ∆H = -5653kJ
Substance C12H22O11 CO2 H20
H°f -2221 kJ/mol -394 kJ/mol -286 kJ/mol
1. How much heat would be released when all of the sugar in a 5.00 pound bag of sugar is burned?
(454g = 1 pound)
2. How much heat would be given off if the reaction produces 2.20L of carbon dioxide at STP are formed?
(at STP, one mole of any gas = 22.4L)
3) What mass of sugar must burn to release 2800kJ of heat?
4) Suggest two sources of lab error for the experiment. Describe and explain the effect each would have on the
results (Cal/g for each food.). The first row is done for you as an example.
Source of Error Effect on Explanation
Experimenta
l Cal/g
Example: the thermometer is too high the metal can will become hotter than the water because it has a
touching the can for the final lower specific heat capacity. This will make q for the water too
temperature measurement high so it will appear as if more heat was absorbed by the water
and released by the burning food than actually was.
