Cheetos energy

Energy is the ability to do work. It is important because every object we produce requires energy; for example transport, growth, and development. Humans and all other things get energy from the sun. Some forms of energy are kinetic, potential, thermal, chemical, electrical, and mechanical. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. Potential energy is the energy which results from a position or configuration. Thermal, or heat, energy is the energy a substance or system has related to its temperature, for instance, solids, liquids, and gases. Chemical energy is the energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds. Electrical energy is the energy carried by moving electrons in an electric conductor. Mechanical energy is the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy. The standard unit of measure for these different types of energy is measured in joules. The purpose of this lab is to show that energy is transferred from food to other sources. This lab shows how energy travels from the Cheeto/marshmallow to the water inside the soda can using thermal energy. If we burn Cheetos or marshmallows, then the heat released should equal the calories provided on the nutritional label. When the Cheeto is sitting in the bag it has potential energy. Then when the Cheeto is burned the energy that is transferred to the can should also equal the energy that you would receive if you ate the Cheeto.

The materials we used for this experiment were: one soda can, a ring stand, a paperclip, Cheetos, marshmallows, and matches. Our procedure was as follows:
1. We measured and recorded the initial mass of our food sample.
2. We put food sample on a paperclip, and placed it on a ring stand.
3. After obtaining an empty soda can and measuring and recording the mass, we placed it above the food sample.
4. Add about 50mL of water and measure the mass of the can and water.
5. We measured and recorded the initial temperature of the water.
6. Then we lit the food sample, and waited