Soda Can Calorimeter: Energy Content of Food

Conclusion and Evaluation
7. What are the major sources of error in these calorimetry experiments? Explain them (3 p.)
The first source of error in these calorimetry experiments is not minding the meniscus, when measuring the heated water, which leads to, although not significantly, yet imprecise results. One of the most major sources of error is the inadequate measuring devices – scales and a thermometer – since the devices at home are not intended for such precise measurements, only measuring the mass and temperature in whole numbers or, in the best case, with one digit after the comma - the results are very imprecise and, therefore, interfere with the whole experiment. Another source of error can be viewed within the heat released from burning the chip not going straight to the water only – it also heated up the aluminum foil holder, the surrounding aluminum foil and the curvatures of the soda can, which didn’t help transfer the heat to the water, therefore, the water didn’t absorb all of the heat released from the burning chip, so the results of change in temperature of water are also imprecise. In addition, since burning requires oxygen, a ventilation system was required, so the cold air from outside the aluminum foil went inside through the poked holes and slightly interfered with the temperature, as well as the heat escaped outside, once again leading to not entirely accurate results.
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