Propan-1-ol can be used as a liquid fuel.
A student investigates how much heat energy is released when a known mass of propan-1-ol is burned using the apparatus shown in the diagram.
A known volume of water is placed in the copper calorimeter. The initial temperature of the water is measured. The propan-1-ol is ignited and used to heat the water. After a set period of time, the flame is extinguished and the final temperature of the water is measured.
The theoretical temperature rise calculated for the mass of propan-1-ol burned is 76.2∘C76.2^{\circ}\text{C}76.2∘C.
In the student's experiment, the actual temperature rise was only 31.5∘C31.5^{\circ}\text{C}31.5∘C.
One reason for this difference is incomplete combustion of the propan-1-ol.
Give one reason why, even if the propan-1-ol burns completely, the actual temperature rise is still much less than the theoretical value.
Practise Edexcel GCSE Chemistry Heat energy changes in chemical reactions with exam-style questions for Foundation and Higher tier. 130 questions, matched to the Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) specification and written in Paper 1 and Paper 2 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.
