Overview

THE CALORIMETER PROJECT

GOAL

  • Develop a calorimeter that is most efficient at trapping in heat energy.

BIG QUESTIONS

  1. How can we design a system such that there is complete conservation of energy?
  2. How could you reduce the sources of error when measuring energy change in a reaction?

IMPORTANT DATES, DETAILS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

<TASK 1> - [GROUP WORK] - Calorimeter Test #1


<TASK 2> - [INDIVIDUAL WORK] - Progress Report

  • Go to Submit Reports and fill in a progress report form.
  • Answer all questions concisely and accurately.


<TASK 3> - [GROUP WORK] - Initial Research

  • Consider the amount of heat released from burning a peanut/potato chip and the amount of heat that is absorbed by a beaker of water directly over the flame of the burning peanut/potato chip. What are 3 variables that can be changed that would have an effect on the amount of heat absorbed by the water? Provide a testable hypothesis for each variable the predicts what will happen to the heat absorbed if the variable were changed.
  • Provide a list specifying the materials that will be used to construct the your first calorimeter. Include measurements.
  • Write a 1 page report explaining the advantages of the features you’ve included in your design.
  • Please refer to the slide show below for details and examples regarding the initial research and sketches
CALORIMETER RESEARCH EXAMPLE (edited)

<TASK 4> - [GROUP WORK] - Calorimeter Test #2

<TASK 5> - [INDIVIDUAL WORK] - Progress Report

  • Go to Submit Reports and fill in a progress report form.
  • Answer all questions concisely and accurately.


<TASK 6> - [GROUP WORK] - Calorimeter Test #3

<TASK 7> - [INDIVIDUAL WORK] - Final Report

  • Go to Submit Reports and fill in a progress report form.
  • Answer all questions concisely and accurately.


<TASK 8> - [GROUP WORK] - Final Written Response

MARK DISTRIBUTION

There is a total of 30 marks for this project.

5 marks - Initial Research and Sketches

3 marks - per report (3 reports for a total of 9 marks)

5 marks - per calorimeter test #1 and #2 (2 tests for a total of 10 marks)

*5 marks - bonus performance mark for final calorimeter*

6 marks - Final Written Response