Combustion of alcohols: practical
I can analyse calorimetry data to determine which alcohol releases the most energy when combusted.
Combustion of alcohols: practical
I can analyse calorimetry data to determine which alcohol releases the most energy when combusted.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Calorimetry can be used to measure a reaction's energy change indirectly.
- Calorimetry data can be used to calculate the mass of alcohol needed to cause a 1°C rise in temperature of the water.
- An alcohol that causes a 1°C temperature rise when the least amount is combusted is releasing the most energy.
- The energy change of combustion for a variety of alcohols can be compared to the molecular formula of each alcohol.
Keywords
Alcohols - Alcohols are a homologous series that contain the -OH functional group.
Combustion - Combustion is an exothermic reaction where a substance reacts with oxygen.
Calorimetry - Calorimetry is an experiment that can be used to measure the energy released from a fuel such as alcohol.
Independent variable - The independent variable is the single variant that is changed in an investigation.
Common misconception
Forgetting to measure the initial mass of the burner and initial temperature of the water.
Emphasise the importance in remembering to measure this data when writing a method for this practical.
To help you plan your year 11 chemistry lesson on: Combustion of alcohols: practical, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 chemistry lesson on: Combustion of alcohols: practical, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 chemistry lessons from the Organic chemistry unit, dive into the full secondary chemistry curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Alcohol burners and calorimetry apparatus.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
