Combustion of alcohols: planning
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write balanced symbol equations for combustion of alcohols and investigate the energy changes of combustion reactions.
Key learning points
- Balanced symbol equations can be written for the combustion of alcohols.
- It is difficult to measure directly the energy change of a reaction.
- Calorimetry can be used to measure a reaction's energy change indirectly.
Keywords
Energy change - The energy change is the difference between the energy of the reactants and the energy of the products.
Calorimetry - Calorimetry is an experiment that can be used to measure the energy released from a fuel such as alcohol.
Molecular formula - The molecular formula shows the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule of a compound.
Combustion - Combustion is an exothermic reaction where a substance reacts with oxygen.
Alcohols - Alcohols are a homologous series that contain the -OH functional group.
Common misconception
Forgetting to measure the initial mass of the burner and initial temperature of the water.
Emphasise the importance in remembering to measure this data when writing a method for this practical.
Teacher tip
You could demo the whoosh bottle to show the combustion of alcohols.
Equipment
None, planning lesson only.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Order the following alcohols by chain length starting with the shortest.
Q2.What is the name of the alcohol shown in the image?
Q3.Which is the molecular formula of propanol?
Q4.Which alcohol has the formula C₄H₉OH?
Q5.What are the products from the complete combustion of butanol?
Q6.Match the variable to the correct definition.
the variable that you change or select values for
the variable that you measure or observe to get your results
variables that must remain the same throughout an investigation
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is calorimetry?
Q2.When using calorimetry to investigate whether the type of alcohol combusted affects the energy given out. The temperature rise is which type of variable?
Q3.When using calorimetry to investigate whether the type of alcohol combusted affects the energy given out, the volume of water in the calorimeter is an example of which variable?
Q4.Which of the following are ways to reduce heat loss to the surroundings when conducting calorimetry?
Q5.Which of the following need to be measured when carrying out calorimetry to indirectly measure the energy released from a fuel?
Q6.Which is the correct balanced equation for the complete combustion of ethanol?
To help you plan your 11 chemistry lesson on: Combustion of alcohols: planning, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 chemistry lesson on: Combustion of alcohols: planning, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 chemistry lessons from the Organic chemistry unit, dive into the full secondary chemistry curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.