Bomb Calorimeter Lab Report
Determination of the heat of Combustion of Biodiesel Using Bomb Calorimetry
Abstract:
In this experiment, biodiesel fuel was synthesized from vegetable oil. Biodiesel is considered “green” and better for the environment because it is biodegradable. The heat of combustion was then determined using a bomb calorimeter.
Introduction:
Petroleum is the largest single source of energy consumed by the world’s population, exceeding coal, natural gas, nuclear, hydro, and renewables (3). It is predicted that global demand for petroleum will increase to 40% by 2025 (3). Biodiesel fuel is a renewable energy source made from vegetable oils and is viewed as an alternative for diesel engines. It is biodegradable and non-toxic, thus making it completely safe. …show more content…
A few errors occurred when using the bomb calorimeter as well. The thread was not weighed in a few trials and one of the trials had the standardization on when it shouldn’t have been. When doing the titrations, many of the samples were overshot by a drop and some were way overshot as well.
A discussion section is where you interpret your results and discuss if your objectives were met. State the conclusions in terms of chemical concepts at the molecular level and rationalize the values of your results in terms of the chemistry behind the results. Tell me if your results make sense, discuss the accuracy of your results, and explain any important sources of error. You should answer any additional assigned questions at the end of this section.
Post Lab Questions:
1. Some advantages of biodiesel fuels compared to petroleum diesel are that biodegradable and non-toxic. It is also less polluting to the environment and heats homes. A major disadvantage is that it is more costly than petroleum and requires energy to produce biodiesel fuel from soy crops. It can also harm rubber hoses in some engines.
2. Affect viscosity and fluidity. Density will change with temperature change.
a) This would affect use in the winter months because it gels in cold
Abstract:
In this experiment, biodiesel fuel was synthesized from vegetable oil. Biodiesel is considered “green” and better for the environment because it is biodegradable. The heat of combustion was then determined using a bomb calorimeter.
Introduction:
Petroleum is the largest single source of energy consumed by the world’s population, exceeding coal, natural gas, nuclear, hydro, and renewables (3). It is predicted that global demand for petroleum will increase to 40% by 2025 (3). Biodiesel fuel is a renewable energy source made from vegetable oils and is viewed as an alternative for diesel engines. It is biodegradable and non-toxic, thus making it completely safe. …show more content…
A few errors occurred when using the bomb calorimeter as well. The thread was not weighed in a few trials and one of the trials had the standardization on when it shouldn’t have been. When doing the titrations, many of the samples were overshot by a drop and some were way overshot as well.
A discussion section is where you interpret your results and discuss if your objectives were met. State the conclusions in terms of chemical concepts at the molecular level and rationalize the values of your results in terms of the chemistry behind the results. Tell me if your results make sense, discuss the accuracy of your results, and explain any important sources of error. You should answer any additional assigned questions at the end of this section.
Post Lab Questions:
1. Some advantages of biodiesel fuels compared to petroleum diesel are that biodegradable and non-toxic. It is also less polluting to the environment and heats homes. A major disadvantage is that it is more costly than petroleum and requires energy to produce biodiesel fuel from soy crops. It can also harm rubber hoses in some engines.
2. Affect viscosity and fluidity. Density will change with temperature change.
a) This would affect use in the winter months because it gels in cold