Chem 110 Experiment 9: Hot Stuff: An Energy
Conservation Problem
Prelab Lecture
What is the purpose of this lab?
The title suggests that this is about energy conservation, but really
this experiment is about one thing and one thing alone: learning how
to design an experiment.
You’re going to face a particular challenge in this experiment because
you’re to solve your problem without learning the associated theory.
Therefore part of what you’ll be doing is putting forth guesses
(hypotheses) that will affect your experimental design.
What are the key parts in experimental design?
1. Clearly identifying your question. In this case the question is
laid out before you: how do I determine a temperature that is
above the maximum temperature on my thermometer (other
than buying a new one).
2. Identify a possible approach. Clearly state the assumptions
behind the approach.
3. Identify the data that must be collected in your approach.
4. Design a sequence of detailed steps to carry out your approach.
What tools do we have at our disposal?
A thermometer with maximum temperature 40 C, some Styrofoam
cups, graduated cylinders, a constant temperature bath with your hot
water, and the other items listed in your manual.
Will we work with our usual partners?
You’ll work as a group in each table.
What kind of report will we have?
You’ll write a one page report detailing your procedure and results.
You’ll also do a 10 minute oral report at the end of lab.
Notebook record:
