DP Chemistry Standard Level

Unit: Energetics and graphical techniques

Investigation into the enthalpy of combustion of alcohols

Date given Wednesday October 25

Friday October 27 and
Experiment performed
Monday October 30
Drafts due Monday November 6
Report due Monday November 13

Assessment Criteria:

 Investigation analysis and evaluation

(analysis, evaluation, and communication rubrics are provided at the end of the description)

 You are to perform this practical investigation and collect data in groups.

 You are to analyse and process the data this practical investigation individually.

 You are to evaluate this investigation and communicate your findings in a report.

 Your report should be written using the MLA format from the student planner (1.5 line spacing,
1 inch margins and a minimum size 12 font).

 Drafts received after the requested date may not be commented upon

 Complete the Authenticity of work statement provided and attach it to your report

 The report should be submitted in print at the beginning of the lesson and also emailed before
the lesson to pinkerton.science@gmail.com

 Follow the report format attached with this assessment description.

Enthalpy change of combustion Student:

Reference: Chapter 5, pages 140-146

Aim
To determine the enthalpy change of combustion of ethanol, 1-propanol and 1-butanol.

Introduction

∆𝐻𝑓⊖ is the standard enthalpy of formation of a substance. This is the energy change upon the formation of

1 mol of a substance from the elements in their standard state.

∆𝐻𝑐⊖ is the standard enthalpy change of combustion. It is the heat produced upon the complete
combustion of 1 mol of a substance.

When oxygen is in excess, the compounds below undergo complete combustion to produce carbon dioxide
and water.

ethanol propan-1-ol butan-1-ol

Pre-lab activities

1. Explain the difference between enthalpy change of formation and enthalpy change of combustion.

Materials

 retort stand  alcohols (ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol)

 bosshead and clamp x 2  thermometer (±𝟎. 𝟓℃)

 electronic balance (±𝟎. 𝟎𝟏𝒈)  PASCO temperature probe (±𝟎. 𝟏℃)

 spirit burners x 2  PASCO Capstone data logging software

 copper calorimeter  100cm3 measuring cylinder

Method
1. Determine the initial mass of the spirit burners with the ethanol using an electronic balance.
2. Accurately determine the mass of 30cm3 water with a measuring cylinder and an electronic balance.
3. Place the copper container approximately 90mm above the bench using the first clamp.
4. Place the spirit burner directly under the copper calorimeter.
5. Suspend the temperature probe in the water using a second clamp to record the initial temperature
and allow 60 seconds for a constant temperature to be recorded.
6. Light the spirit burner and record the temperature of the water every 15 seconds until a 40℃
increase has been recorded.
7. Replace the cap on the spirit burner to extinguish it.
8. Allow the water to cool to measure a cooling rate. This may take 5 minutes.
9. Accurately measure the mass of the spirit burner and the ethanol to determine the mass that has
combusted.

10. Empty the copper calorimeter and rinse with water to return to a constant temperature before the
next compound is investigated.

11. Both groups will perform the experiment twice, one group with ethanol and propan-1-ol and the
other group with ethanol and butan-1-ol.

Results

Table 1. The masses of the ethanol, apparatus and water

Mass / g ± 0.01

Mass of measuring cylinder + 30cm3 cm water

Mass of measuring cylinder

Mass of water

Mass of spirit burner and ethanol before combustion

Mass of spirit burner and ethanol after combustion

Mass of ethanol combusted

 Tamagawa Academy
Table 2. The masses of the propan-1-ol / butan-1-ol, apparatus and water (Circle appropriate)

Mass / g ± 0.01

Mass of measuring cylinder + 30cm3 cm water

Mass of measuring cylinder

Mass of water

Mass of spirit burner and _____________________ before combustion

Mass of spirit burner and _____________________ after combustion

Mass of ___________________ combusted

Table 3. The temperature measurements of the combustion reactions (data shared between groups)
Initial Maximum Change in
temperature / ℃ temperature / ℃ temperature / ℃

ethanol

ethanol (second group)

propan-1-ol

butan-1-ol

Qualitative data

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 Tamagawa Academy
Analysis

Table 4. Enthalpy data to be used in calculations (data shared between groups)

Initial temperature / ℃ Extrapolated maximum Amount reacted / mol

temperature / ℃

Ethanol

Ethanol (second
group)

1-propanol

1-butanol

Calculations (data processing – see page 6)

Graphs (data presentation – see page 6)

Table 5. Enthalpy of combustion

Experimental ∆𝑯𝒄 / kJ Theoretical ∆𝑯𝒄 / kJ mol-1

⊖ ⊖
% error
mol-1
ethanol

ethanol (second group)

propan-1-ol

butan-1-ol

Conclusion and evaluation

1. The literature values for the enthalpies of combustion can be found in section 13 of the Data
booklet. Copy them into the table above.

2. Compare your experimental values for the enthalpies of combustion with the literature values to
calculate % error.

3. Calculate the % uncertainty arising from random errors in the experiment and compare this with the
% error.

4. Outline any conclusions that can be made from your investigation.

5. Describe systematic errors (including significance and direction) and suggest modifications to the
experiment to reduce these. (You can use the table I have provided)

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 Tamagawa Academy

Laboratory Report Format

 Student name and Date  Title of experiment referring to
 Topic chemicals using names and not symbols.

Investigation analysis and evaluation (analysis, evaluation, communication)

 Observations (qualitative and quantitative)
 Data Table/s (titles and headings, variables with units, proper number of significant figures,
error values if applicable)
 Calculations (formulae used, numbers with units, answers with units and proper number of
significant figures and degree of uncertainty, error calculations if applicable)
 Graphs (use a ruler and graphing paper or computer software, include titles, variables with
units, line of best fit if appropriate).
 One of the graphs should look like this:
 Process the data and find an R-squared value and
also the equation of the line.
 Diagrams (title and labels).
 Conclusion (valid, explanation, comparison with
literature/theoretical values)
 Evaluation (validity and reliability, limitations,
weaknesses or errors)
 Realistic suggestions of improvements to the
experiment based upon weaknesses.
 Extensions to the investigation.
 The table below can be used:
Weakness / limitation Significance (high / low) Direction of error Improvement (explanation)

IMPORTANT CONCEPTS TO UNDERSTAND AND USE: validity, reliability, accuracy, precision,

uncertainty, systematic errors, random errors, improvements, extensions.

Works Used - if applicable (use MLA format as explained in the student planner).

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DP Group 4 Sciences Assessment Feedback

Please refer to the rubric and your test to self-assess your achievement.

Criteria Level I think I got: Reason:

D-
Analysis and
evaluation analysis (6)
(16)

evaluation (6)

communication (4)

Teacher assessment:
Criteria Level you were assessed at: Reason:

D-
Analysis and
evaluation analysis (6)
(16)

evaluation (6)

communication (4)

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Investigation analysis and evaluation – Criterion D (16 points)

Analysis - 6 points
 Have you presented sufficient quantitative and qualitative raw data to answer the question?
 Have you shown accurate and relevant calculations that can support your conclusion?
 Have you shown the full impact of uncertainty upon your analysis?
 Have you interpreted your processed data correctly?
 Have you deduced a valid and detailed conclusion based on your investigation?

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Evaluation – 6 points
 Have you justified a detailed conclusion using the results of your experiment?
 Have you deduced a conclusion that is relevant to the research question?
 Have you explained the conclusion using accepted scientific understanding?
 Have you discussed the strengths and weaknesses of your data and sources of error?
 Have you discussed realistic and relevant suggestions for improvement of your
investigation?
 Have you discussed realistic and relevant suggestions for further related investigations?

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Communication – 4 points
 Have you presented a well-structured report?
 Have you presented information so that your research topic and question is clear?
 Have you presented information so that your method and your results are clear?
 Have you presented only necessary information?
 Have you presented images with labels and titles?
 Have you presented tables and graphs with correct titles, heading, units and decimal
places?
 Have you used correct scientific language?

*For example, incorrect/missing labelling of graphs, tables, images; use of units, decimal places.

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 Your ATL target for next assessment is: I plan to achieve this target for the next assessment
by:
 Thinking  Using time better before the due date
 Communication  Learning the meaning of key words
 Social  Checking my work for mistakes
 Self - management  Reading more carefully
 Research  Looking at data more carefully

Teacher: How can this be done? Student: Any extra ideas?

Key question

Your answer

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 IB Diploma Programme
Authenticity of Work Statement
Tamagawa Academy K-12 & University

All IB learners strive to be ‘principled’ acting with ‘integrity and honesty’, with a strong sense of justice and
respect for the individual, groups and individuals.

This form must be completed and attached to the front of each IB written task

Student name: ____________________________________________

Title of written task: Analysis and evaluation of an investigation into enthalpy of combustion

Date submitted: ______________ Subject: Chemistry

Read the following statement carefully and sign before submitting this form.

I am aware that all work submitted must be entirely in my own work and in my own words. Where
the ideas or work of another person are represented within my work, the source(s) of those ideas or
the work have been fully and appropriately acknowledged.
I am aware that I may be required to do the following to justify my results:

۰ Discuss my work with the teacher

۰ Explain my methods and summarize my results
۰ Repeat the same/similar task for a separate set of data
۰ Produce a list of resources used to obtain my results

I am aware that academic misconduct includes:

۰ Plagiarism: The representation of the ideas or work of another person as your own.
۰ Collusion: Supporting malpractice by another candidate, for example, allowing your work to be
copied or submitted for assessment by someone else.
۰ Duplication of work: The presentation of the same work for different assessment components
and/or diploma requirements.

Note: Submitting work that is not your own is considered malpractice by the IB and grounds
for disqualification from the Diploma Programme.

Signed: ________________________________________ Date: _______________________

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