Calorimetry Lab
Combustion Background
For this science experiment, we will be looking at the differences in calorie count between a food label and and the amount we measure in a lab. For this lab, we will be experimentally measuring how many calories are in different types of food. Before we begin the lab however, we need to investigate the science behind it. Firstly, we need to figure out if this project is even possible. Luna Abdallah et al created an experiment making it possible. To measure the amount of calories in a food, you first have to light it on fire. Your homemade calorimeter will trap the heat of the food and the water above it will trap the heat causing the water temperature to increase dramatically. You will then measure the change in temperature of the water from start to end. Calories are a measure of energy, so the energy gained by the water will be equal to the energy lost by the food. This is how you measure the calories of a food experimentally.
Since we are measuring how many calories are in a food, we need to understand what calories are. A calorie is different from a Calorie. Both are a unit of energy. A Calorie is the equivalent of 1,000 calories. A calorie is the amount of heat that is equal …show more content…
We need to investigate the confusing procedures so that we know what is going on. The experiment requires us to use water in the experiment. You place in the is a tight container that is completely enclosed by water. The food is burned and the increase in water temperature tells us how many calories are burned. This device is called a bomb calorimeter. The container needs to be completely sealed. If any of the heat escapes you will not get accurate results as not all the energy given off from the burning food is transferred to the water. This aspect of the experiment is the most crucial. If not understood properly or executed correctly, the results will not be
For this science experiment, we will be looking at the differences in calorie count between a food label and and the amount we measure in a lab. For this lab, we will be experimentally measuring how many calories are in different types of food. Before we begin the lab however, we need to investigate the science behind it. Firstly, we need to figure out if this project is even possible. Luna Abdallah et al created an experiment making it possible. To measure the amount of calories in a food, you first have to light it on fire. Your homemade calorimeter will trap the heat of the food and the water above it will trap the heat causing the water temperature to increase dramatically. You will then measure the change in temperature of the water from start to end. Calories are a measure of energy, so the energy gained by the water will be equal to the energy lost by the food. This is how you measure the calories of a food experimentally.
Since we are measuring how many calories are in a food, we need to understand what calories are. A calorie is different from a Calorie. Both are a unit of energy. A Calorie is the equivalent of 1,000 calories. A calorie is the amount of heat that is equal …show more content…
We need to investigate the confusing procedures so that we know what is going on. The experiment requires us to use water in the experiment. You place in the is a tight container that is completely enclosed by water. The food is burned and the increase in water temperature tells us how many calories are burned. This device is called a bomb calorimeter. The container needs to be completely sealed. If any of the heat escapes you will not get accurate results as not all the energy given off from the burning food is transferred to the water. This aspect of the experiment is the most crucial. If not understood properly or executed correctly, the results will not be