Enthalpy of Combustion

Abstract In this experiment, one is going to use a bomb calorimeter to obtain the measurement for the enthalpy of combustion. From the experimental data obtained from the results of using the bomb calorimeter, the enthalpy of formation will be found. The compound was combustion in three trials to find the heat capacity. This was done by recording the temperature every 30 seconds. There is a distinct fluctuation between the three trials. This can be the result of errors done by multiple methods. According to the results, the heat capacity is far from the recorded experimental data of Naphthalene.

Errors Sources 1. Not weighing out enough sample might make it combust quicker than one would expect. 2. Not adding enough water or oxygen could make some errors. 3. Not threading the fuse wire through the electrodes correctly where there is a defined kink so the heat transfers to the compound and doesn't just burn the wire.

Reaction:   C 10 H 8 +8 O 2 → 10 CO 2 + 4 H 2 O + energy   Tria ls C J/C Delta c U q J n R j/Km ol delt a T Delta T in K Delta H mx g of compoun d mw g Delt a cU (W) Delta cU (X) 1 43.7 3 - 170.64 3 - 170.98 4 1 8.314 3.89 276.8 9 2131.42 1.002 0.008 - 585 0 - 123.93642 71 2 62.7 6 - 243.92 8 - 245.39 2 1 8.314 3.91 276.9 1 2058.30 2 1.006 0.000 3 - 585 0 - 242.18349 9 3 81.5 6 - 306.05 2 - 309.11 2 1 8.314 3.79 276.7 9 1995.18 1.01 0.01 - 585 0 - 248.13108 91 C average Delta U Average C variance Delta U Variance C Average deviation Delta U Average Deviation C estimate standard deviatio n Delta U estimate d Standard Deviation 62.6833 3 - 240.207642 3 357.781633 3 4594.27130 4 12.6355555 6 46.376418 9 34.9402 5 67.78105