Heat of Combustion of a Candle

Purpose:

  To observe a burning candle and calculate the heat associated with the combustion reaction

Materials:

 Ruler

 Candle

 Aluminum foil

 Balance

 Safety matches

Procedure:

1: Measure and record the length of a candle in centimeters

2: Place the candle on a small piece of aluminum foil and measure the mass of the foil-candle system.

Note the time as you light the candle. Let the candle burn for about 5 minutes. Caution keep clothing away from flame. While you wait begin answering the data and conclusion questions.

3: Extinguish the candle and record the time.

4: Measure the mass of the foil candle system again. Do not try to measure the mass while the candle is burning.

Data

Length before: 5.9cm  Mass before:1.53g

Length After: 3.5 cm    Mass after: 1.16

Analysis and Conclusion

1: (description) the fuse is engulfed in flame as the flame spins gracefully off the top. 

2: Wick

3: The wax holds it up and slows it down.

4: Because the flame puts off heat.

5: Loss .37g and 2.4 cm.   This data the most consistent with the wax burning

6: You light the wick and it ignites and guides the flame from the burning wax.

7: C20H42 + 20 O2= 20 CO2 + 21 H2O

8: .37/283(molar mass)=.0013mol

9: 42 jk/mol

10: .05jk