Simulación de Calorimetría en Bomba

Medición del contenido energético de alimentos mediante calorimetría

Thermochemistry Intermediate (High School) 45 min ~$10,00

Objetivo

Medir el contenido energético (calórico) de diferentes alimentos quemándolos y midiendo el calor transferido al agua.

Antecedentes

A simple food calorimeter uses the heat from burning food to raise the temperature of water. By measuring the mass of food burned and the temperature rise of the water, the energy content can be calculated. This demonstrates why some foods have more calories than others.

Advertencias de seguridad

  • Open flame — keep flammables away
  • Burning food produces smoke — ventilate
  • The can will get hot — do not touch with bare hands

EPP requerido

goggles lab_coat

Materiales

  • Food samples (10 g each)
    Peanuts, cashews, marshmallows, chips
  • Distilled water (400 mL)
  • Aluminum foil (1 sheet)
    For makeshift shield

Equipamiento

Empty aluminum soda can Ring stand and ring Needle or pin (mounted) Lighter Thermometer Analytical balance (0.01 g)

Procedimiento

1

Measure 100 mL of water and pour into the soda can. Record the initial temperature.

3 min
2

Set up the can on the ring stand. Position a mounted needle below the can to hold the food sample.

5 min
3

Weigh a food sample (e.g., one peanut) accurately. Impale it on the needle.

2 min
4

Light the food sample with the lighter. Position it under the can to heat the water.

5 min Open flame — be careful
5

When the food stops burning, immediately stir and record the maximum water temperature.

2 min Can is hot
6

Calculate energy: q = m(water) × c × ΔT. Convert to kJ/g or Cal/g.

5 min
7

Repeat for different food types. Compare measured values with nutritional labels.

15 min
8

Discuss why measured values are lower than label values (heat lost to surroundings).

5 min

Resultados esperados

Nuts (high fat) should give the highest energy per gram (~25 kJ/g measured vs ~25 kJ/g label). Marshmallows (sugar) ~15 kJ/g. Measured values will be 30-50% lower than label values due to heat losses.

Limpieza

Allow everything to cool. Dispose of food residue. Rinse the can and clean the work area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of Simulación de Calorimetría en Bomba?
Medir el contenido energético (calórico) de diferentes alimentos quemándolos y midiendo el calor transferido al agua.
How difficult is Simulación de Calorimetría en Bomba?
This experiment is rated as Intermediate (High School). It takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
What safety precautions are needed for Simulación de Calorimetría en Bomba?
Key safety precautions include: Open flame — keep flammables away; Burning food produces smoke — ventilate; The can will get hot — do not touch with bare hands.
What materials are needed for Simulación de Calorimetría en Bomba?
The main materials required are: Food samples, Distilled water, Aluminum foil.
What results should I expect from Simulación de Calorimetría en Bomba?
Nuts (high fat) should give the highest energy per gram (~25 kJ/g measured vs ~25 kJ/g label). Marshmallows (sugar) ~15 kJ/g. Measured values will be 30-50% lower than label values due to heat losses.