A camper uses a portable spirit burner containing ethanol fuel to heat water in a steel camping cup.
The theoretical temperature rise calculated for the combustion of a specific mass of ethanol is 64.2∘C64.2^{\circ}\text{C}64.2∘C.
In the camper's trial, the actual temperature rise of the water was only 28.5∘C28.5^{\circ}\text{C}28.5∘C.
One factor for this discrepancy is the incomplete combustion of the ethanol fuel.
Suggest one other reason why, even with complete combustion, the actual temperature rise of the water is significantly lower 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.
