Ethanol Activity 5
This is a hands-on lab activity in which students research and compare ethanol (a biofuel) and kerosene (a fossil fuel), then burn each fuel to measure the heat energy released in water. Students calculate calories per gram, per milliliter, and per gallon, as well as cost per calorie, to evaluate and compare fuel efficiency and cost. The activity includes a student worksheet with data tables, analysis questions, and conclusion prompts.
At a glance
- Materials
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- Pencil (per student)
- Safety glasses (per student)
- Lab apron (per student)
- Calculator (per student)
- Computer with Internet access (per pair)
- Ring stand (per pair)
- 10cm ring (per pair)
- Utility clamp (per pair)
- Metric ruler (per pair)
- LabQuest2 (per pair)
- Vernier temperature sensor (per pair)
- Empty soup can (per pair)
- 100ml graduated cylinder (per pair)
- 2 stirring rods (per pair)
- 2 single hole stoppers (per pair)
- 60ml fuel burner with kerosene (per group of four)
- 60ml fuel burner with ethanol (per group of four)
- Long handled butane lighter (per group of four)
- Electronic balance (per group of four)