Comparing fuels
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can carry out a fair test to compare the energy transferred by burning different fuels.
Key learning points
- Burning a fuel transfers energy by heating its surroundings.
- Heating water in a boiling tube allows the amounts of energy transferred by different fuels to be compared.
- The mass of fuel used needs to be the same for each measurement.
- The temperature and volume of water being heated needs to be the same for each measurement.
Keywords
Combustion - In a combustion reaction, fuel is burned and reacts with oxygen to release energy.
Fair test - In a fair test, variables are controlled so that only one change affects the dependent variable.
Control variables - Control variables are all variables, other than the independent and dependent variables, that are kept constant/the same in an investigation.
Fuel - A fuel is a substance that releases its stored energy when it undergoes combustion.
Common misconception
Pupils get easily confused between variables and how to ensure a fair test.
Ensure that pupils understand the independent variable is the type of fuel, the dependent variable is the temperature increase and control variables are mass of fuel and volume of water.
Teacher tip
Demonstrate to pupils how to carry out the experiment, different groups can work together to produce a full set of results to reduce experimental time, or gain results to compare with their own set of results. Have a set of results ready to discuss if pupils do not get results.
Equipment
balance, clamp & stand, thermometer, metal bottle caps, Bunsen burner, four different fuels (e.g. wood, paper, fire, lighter, wax), measuring cylinder, heat-resistant mat
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a sign that a chemical reaction is endothermic?
Q2.Why is it important to only change one independent variable at a time in an experiment?
Q3.What is the main reason for repeating an experiment several times?
Q4.In an experiment to determine how temperature affects the solubility of a salt in water, what is the dependent variable?
Q5.Hydrochloric acid and magnesium react to produce hydrogen gas. Identify the variable for an investigation to see how the mass of magnesium affects the volume of gas produced.
mass of magnesium used (g)
volume of gas produced (cm³)
volume of acid used (cm³)
Q6.A variable is any variable that is kept constant throughout the experiment to ensure that the test results are due solely to the change in the independent variable.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which one of the following is a correct statement about combustion?
Q2.If the independent variable is the type of fuel, what would the dependent variable be in an experiment comparing energy transfer?
Q3.A is a substance that releases its stored energy when it undergoes combustion. It's crucial for the process of energy transfer by heating.
Q4.Why is it important to use the same mass of fuel for each measurement when comparing the energy released by burning different fuels?
Q5.Order the following steps to correctly set up an experiment comparing the energy transferred by different fuels, starting with recording the starting mass of each fuel.
Q6.What role do control variables play in an experiment comparing the energy transferred by burning different fuels?
To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Comparing fuels, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Comparing fuels, 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 3 science lessons from the Fuels and energetics unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.