Alcohols are a homologous series that contain the -OH functional group.

Combustion is an exothermic reaction where a substance reacts with oxygen.

Calorimetry is an experiment that can be used to measure the energy released from a fuel such as alcohol.

The independent variable is the single variant that is changed in an investigation.

Combustion of alcohols: practical

Chemistry

In the Chemistry of Carbon unit, pupils learned about the structure and bonding of carbon, and its ability to form various compounds.

This unit covers identifying functional groups, naming and drawing structural formulae, and predicting reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, and carboxylic acids. It explains addition and condensation polymerisation and discusses natural polymers like DNA, sugars, and amino acids.

Organic chemistry

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

The longer the carbon chain in an alcohol, the more energy is released.

The longer the carbon chain in an alcohol, the less energy is released.

Butanol has a longer carbon chain than methanol.

Butanol has a shorter carbon chain than methanol.

Which of the following statements about the combustion of alcohols are true?

What is the name of an experiment that can be used to measure the energy released from a fuel such as alcohol?

2 g of methanol, ethanol and propanol were combusted in a calorimetry experiment. Which fuel will cause the greatest temperature rise in 50 cm³ of water in the calorimeter?

Using the data of the mass needed to cause a temperature rise. Which alcohol releases the most energy during combustion?

Calculate the mass of butanol needed to produce a 1°C temperature rise when 1.3 g of butanol produced a 49°C rise in temperature of 100 cm³ of water.

Calculate the mass of propanol needed to produce a 10°C temperature rise when 1.45 g of propanol produced a 46°C rise in temperature of 100 cm³ of water.

What hazard symbol would you expect to find on an alcohol burner in the lab?

Which variable is defined as the single variant that is changed in an investigation.

What is the molecular formula of propanol?

In a calorimetry experiment the initial temperature of water is 23ᵒC. The water temperature rises to 55ᵒC. What is the temperature change?

What number needs to be placed in front of the CO₂ to balance this equation?                     
C₄H₉OH  + 6O₂  →  _CO₂ + 5H₂O.
    

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

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