Calorie Content of Food
Chem 110
09/26/2013
MODULE 5: Caloric Content of Food
A) ABSTRACT: This laboratory exercise deals with on how to determine the caloric content of food by creating our own calorimeter. Measuring the energy content of three different food samples by using the change in water temperatures from the heat given off while burning the sample. To verify our results much further — equations, such as energy and heat capacity calculations, helped us establish on such results. As a result of the experiment, I learned and understand better the importance of choosing food with the right caloric content to get us through the day. This experiment made me visually comprehend that various amounts of energy produced by food — which definitely helps our bodies to work efficiently.
B) OBSERVATIONS: During the process of burning the foods, I noticed distinct characteristics of each sample. Firstly, the marshmallow ignited fairly quick and burned in a moderate pace which produced a somewhat sweet smell. Secondly, I noticed that the peanut ignited and burned very slowly, however the burning was controlled; it also produced a roasted aroma and produced a black smoke that tainted the bottom of my beaker. Lastly, the potato chip (Lay’s sour and cream) was at first the least of my concerns, however I was alarmed when the chip ignited really quick and it burned really fast. The fire became bigger halfway of the burned chip, produced a thicker black smoke and didn’t smell like a potato chip — more like a burned rubber tire.
Data Table 1: Food Item - Observations
Food Item Description:
Marshmallow
Peanut/ Walnut
Potato Chip
Mass of food & holder - initial
23.6 g
1 g
27.2 g
Mass of food & holder – final
23.0 g 0.5 g
25.7 g
Mass of food burnt
0.6 g
0.5 g
1.5 g
Mass of beaker
63.3 g
63.3 g
63.3 g
Mass of beaker & water
107.4 g
107.9 g
108 g
Mass of water
44.1 g
44.6 g
44.7 g
Water temp. – initial
22 ℃
23 ℃
22 ℃
Water temp. – final
28 ℃
40 ℃
35 ℃
ΔT
09/26/2013
MODULE 5: Caloric Content of Food
A) ABSTRACT: This laboratory exercise deals with on how to determine the caloric content of food by creating our own calorimeter. Measuring the energy content of three different food samples by using the change in water temperatures from the heat given off while burning the sample. To verify our results much further — equations, such as energy and heat capacity calculations, helped us establish on such results. As a result of the experiment, I learned and understand better the importance of choosing food with the right caloric content to get us through the day. This experiment made me visually comprehend that various amounts of energy produced by food — which definitely helps our bodies to work efficiently.
B) OBSERVATIONS: During the process of burning the foods, I noticed distinct characteristics of each sample. Firstly, the marshmallow ignited fairly quick and burned in a moderate pace which produced a somewhat sweet smell. Secondly, I noticed that the peanut ignited and burned very slowly, however the burning was controlled; it also produced a roasted aroma and produced a black smoke that tainted the bottom of my beaker. Lastly, the potato chip (Lay’s sour and cream) was at first the least of my concerns, however I was alarmed when the chip ignited really quick and it burned really fast. The fire became bigger halfway of the burned chip, produced a thicker black smoke and didn’t smell like a potato chip — more like a burned rubber tire.
Data Table 1: Food Item - Observations
Food Item Description:
Marshmallow
Peanut/ Walnut
Potato Chip
Mass of food & holder - initial
23.6 g
1 g
27.2 g
Mass of food & holder – final
23.0 g 0.5 g
25.7 g
Mass of food burnt
0.6 g
0.5 g
1.5 g
Mass of beaker
63.3 g
63.3 g
63.3 g
Mass of beaker & water
107.4 g
107.9 g
108 g
Mass of water
44.1 g
44.6 g
44.7 g
Water temp. – initial
22 ℃
23 ℃
22 ℃
Water temp. – final
28 ℃
40 ℃
35 ℃
ΔT